Aim

To improve the life chances of children and young people, in the South East, who are excluded through disability.

Objectives

• Establish existing networks and approaches to influence these.
• Establish what information and support is available and use this for maximum impact through the production of an awareness raising pack.

With a strong emphasis within the work of the group on:

• The need to add real value to other activity related to exclusion through disability and not duplicate existing activity
• Identification of appropriate 'target audiences'
• The need to consult 'users' (children and young people, their parents and carers) at appropriate times.

The Group commenced its work in November 2003 and completed in January 2005.

About

• The Group has produced a resource pack "Don't leave me out" that takes an everyday look at the life of the disabled child and family. It identifies the key issues for each area of the child and family's life, and makes recommendations for ways in which services can meet their needs more effectively and so reduce social exclusion.
• The pack contains a report, case studies, useful tools and examples of good practice. It also includes a CD Rom containing a PowerPoint presentation that includes some powerful video clips from interviews with disabled children and their parents, drawing on their experiences of exclusion.

Key Messages

• Looks at the barriers and issues faced by disabled children, young people and their families, and has at its heart their genuine views.
• Uses the principles of the 'social model' of disability
• Aims to stimulate action by strategic planners and decision makers by:
  - Raising awareness
  - Encouraging self-evaluation
  - Prompting positive change to policies, plans and service delivery.