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Speech and Language advice and guidance 

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Speech and Language advice and guidance 

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Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust

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If you are the parent of a child who isn't known to our therapy service, or a health or education profession working with a child not known to the service, and would like to speak to a therapist about how best to support them, give our advice line a call.

To access the line, call the team on the usual numbers:

North Kent (Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley)
0300 790 6235

East Kent (Thanet and Canterbury)
0300 123 8112

West Kent (Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks)
0300 123 7004

...and ask to speak to someone on the advice line.

For queries about how a child's speech, language or communication is developing (for example, how clear their speech is, how many words they are using or the words they understand) ask to speak to a speech and language therapist.

If you have concerns about a child's physical development or coordination (for example meeting their milestones such as crawling or walking, or their ability to participate in everyday activities) ask to speak to a physiotherapist or occupational therapist.

As a result of the information you share on the call the therapist might:

share resources with you to help support the child

suggest that you contact another service for more support

suggest that you seek further advice from another profession on the advice line

advise you or someone working with the child to make a referral to Children's Therapies.

The advice line is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday - if the line is busy you will be able to leave a message and someone will call you back.

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Children's TherapiesThe Pod Children's therapies Welcome to The Pod! Here you will find films, resources and links that can help your child achieve their therapy goals. We support children and young people to develop their skills to their full potential, so they can participate in everyday activities.

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Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)

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sen; send; special education needs; special educational needs; special needs; disabled children; children with disabilities; kent sen; kent send; special edicational needs in kent; local offer; kent local offer; kent's local offer; sen local offer; sen offer; send offer; send local offer; send information hub; send newsletter; sen information hub; kcc send; kcc sen

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Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)

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SEND information hub (local offer) providing services and support for children and young people (0 to 25) with special educational needs and disabilities.

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Kent PACT is a parent carer forum set up for parents of children and young adults with disabilities and additional needs.

They offer a way for you to have your say and influence us, local health services and other organisations in improving local services. Some of the parents on the forum are also key members of the joint KCC/NHS SEND Improvement Board.

Parent carer forums

A parent carer forum is a group of parents and carers of disabled children and young people. Their aim is to make sure services in their local area meet the needs of disabled children and their families.

To do this, they gather your views and work in partnership with us, education settings and health providers to highlight:

what's working well and what's not

changes or improvements to be made.

Watch this video to understand what Kent PACT can do for you.

Meet the Kent PACT team

Kent PACT are there to support you. They know how daunting the SEND world can be to navigate. Therefore, they are inviting SEND service professionals to join them in virtual meetings where you can meet them to understand the roles and ask them questions.

You can find out more about the team, their work and how to join the forum - meet the team on the Kent PACT website.

Find out about the latest events on the Kent PACT website.

Follow Kent PACT on YouTube to watch recorded events.

Working together with Kent PACT

We want to make sure that as a local authority we listen to the parents and carers of children and young people with SEND. By working collaboratively together, we can listen to their views and opinions, those of which are crucial in shaping and developing our service.

Here are some of the positive ways in which Kent PACT have helped us:

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Kent PACT is the parent carer forum for parents of children and young people with disabilities. Join their forum to help get your voice heard.

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Information, Advice and Support Kent (IASK)

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IASK Information, Advice and Support Kent 

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IASK Information, Advice and Support Kent 

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IASK support families of children and young people (0 to 25 years) with special educational needs or disabilities. They hope to empower children, young people and their parents to make informed choices about their education, outcomes and help to communicate views and opinions confidently.

They are a free, confidential and impartial service based in Kent. Staff and volunteers are independently trained in SEND. Their advice and support is confidential and impartial. They are not on anybody's side.

IASK is overseen by a steering group, which includes parents, young people, representatives from local voluntary groups, children's services, parent/carer forum, education and social care.

They also support schools in working with parents.

Support for parents, carers and young people

Their experienced team will listen and discuss any issues around your child's education and development in complete confidence.

They can:

help you make informed decisions

help you plan how to communicate your views or concerns in meetings or on paper

provide face to face support either online or in person

provide information about other agencies and processes

help you prepare paperwork

provide independent support for the statutory assessment process and at annual reviews

offer you training and workshops.

They cannot:

support you with issues that aren't directly related to special educational needs and disabilities

make decisions for you

speak on your behalf.

Read IASK's annual report to find out their objectives, goals and mission statement.

Volunteer for IASK

Applications are welcome from parents and anyone who has knowledge, experience and understanding of special educational needs and disabilities. If you have the skills and dedication to work with parents, children and young people to help them express their views, please apply below.

How to apply

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advice and support kent (iask); kent parent partnership service; kent parents partnership; kpps; iask; dyslexia; sendiass

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Information, Advice and Support Kent (IASK)

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Information, Advice and Support Kent offer support and advice about special educational needs and disabilities.

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YoungMinds | Mental Health Charity For Children And Young People

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Young Minds website for children and parents 

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Young Minds website for children and parents 

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YoungMinds | Mental Health Charity For Children And Young People

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YoungMinds are a mental health charity for children, young people and their parents, making sure all young people can get the mental health support they need.

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Kooth: Mental Health Support for Young People - Redhouse Medical Centre

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Kooth: Mental Health Support for Young People - Redhouse Medical Centre

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Kooth is a free, safe, anonymous online emotional wellbeing community that is accessible 24/7, 365 days of the year and provides access to chat sessions with BACP-accredited counsellors and qualified…

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A meditation app that acts as a personal guide to health and happiness

An online cognitive behaviour therapy program for depression and anxiety

​

A free app designed to help teens and young adults cope with anxiety.

Helps build resilience - the ability to stay strong, motivated and optimistic even in the face of difficult obstacles

Turns the latest innovations in the science of happiness into activities and games that help you lead a more fulfilling life.

A meditation program developed by psychologists and educators to help bring mindfulness into your life

Chill Panda helps children better understand their stress and shows them ways to feel better using breathing techniques, yoga, exercise and calming games.

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A meditation app that acts as a personal guide to health and happiness An online cognitive behaviour therapy program for depression and anxiety ​ A free app designed to help teens and young adults cope with anxiety.

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Learn how to touch type with the BBC Dance Mat Typing game. It's a fun introduction to touch typing game for kids and covers levels 1, 2, 3, 4.

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Amazing Things Happen - by Alexander Amelines

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What is Autism for Children (from the National Autistic Society)

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What is Autism for Children (from the National Autistic Society)

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Amazing Things Happen - by Alexander Amelines

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NHS guide to autism. Find out what autism is and what the common signs are. Get help and advice if you or your child are autistic.

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We are the UKs leading charity for autistic people and their families. Since 1962, we have been providing support, guidance and advice, as well as campaigning for improved rights, services and opportunities to help create a society that works for autistic people.

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We are a well-respected specialist provider of services for young people and adults with autism and have a passion for people on the spectrum.

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Dyslexia East Kent Support - including dyslexia friendly games 

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Dyslexia East Kent Support - including dyslexia friendly games 

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If you are aged 0 to 18 and have dyslexia, we need your help!

Please tell us what information you would like to see in this area of our website. For now we have added a few links to some great websites that are designed for kids but you might have to fight mum and dad for the mouse!

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If you are aged 0 to 18 and have dyslexia, we need your help! Please tell us what information you would like to see in this area of our website. For now we have added a few links to some great websites that are designed for kids but you might have to fight mum and dad for the mouse!

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The ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity - an integrated health and education service.

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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects people's behaviour. People with ADHD can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating and may act on impulse.

Symptoms of ADHD tend to be noticed at an early age and may become more noticeable when a child's circumstances change, such as when they start school.

Most cases are diagnosed when children are under 12 years old, but sometimes it's diagnosed later in childhood.

Sometimes ADHD was not recognised when someone was a child, and they are diagnosed later as an adult.

The symptoms of ADHD may improve with age, but many adults who were diagnosed with the condition at a young age continue to experience problems.

People with ADHD may also have additional problems, such as sleep and anxiety disorders.

Getting help

Many children go through phases where they're restless or inattentive. This is often completely normal and does not necessarily mean they have ADHD.

But you should discuss your concerns with your child's teacher, their school's special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) or a GP if you think their behaviour may be different from most children their age.

It's also a good idea to speak to a GP if you're an adult and think you may have ADHD, but were not diagnosed with the condition as a child.

What causes attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?

The exact cause of ADHD is unknown, but the condition has been shown to run in families.

Research has also identified a number of possible differences in the brains of people with ADHD when compared with those without the condition.

Other factors suggested as potentially having a role in ADHD include:

being born prematurely (before the 37th week of pregnancy)

having a low birthweight

smoking or alcohol or drug abuse during pregnancy

ADHD can occur in people of any intellectual ability, although it's more common in people with learning difficulties.

How attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is treated

For children with ADHD, although there's no cure, it can be managed with appropriate educational support, advice and support for parents and affected children, alongside medicine, if necessary.

For adults with ADHD, medicine is often the first treatment offered, although psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) may also help.

Living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Parents of children with ADHD

Looking after a child with ADHD can be challenging, but it's important to remember that they cannot help their behaviour.

Some day-to-day activities might be more difficult for you and your child, including:

getting your child to sleep at night

getting ready for school on time

listening to and carrying out instructions

being organised

social occasions

shopping

Adults with ADHD

Adults with ADHD may find they have problems with:

organisation and time management

following instructions

focusing and completing tasks

coping with stress

feeling restless or impatient

impulsiveness and risk taking

Some adults may also have issues with relationships or social interaction.

Page last reviewed: 24 December 2021
Next review due: 24 December 2024

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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

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Read about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a condition that affects people's behaviour.

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Support Groups | The UK ADHD Partnership

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Support Groups

National Support Groups

Living with ADHD

This website has been developed to support those who come into contact with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - parents/carers and teachers - and also provides resources for children and teenagers themselves, to help them understand and manage the condition.
www.livingwithadhd.co.uk
addup was set up to bring families together, to guide parents in the right direction to find the practical help they need for their children and to promote both public and professional awareness of ADHD.
http://www.addup.co.uk
ADD / ADHD Online Information
www.adders.org
ADDISS, The National Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service
www.addiss.co.uk
ADHD VOICES

ADHD Voices brings the perspectives and experiences of children into international debates around rising child psychiatric diagnoses and the increasing use of drugs in child psychiatry. These voices contribute to an empirical evidence base that helps to inform ethical debate, clinical judgment, and national policy. VOICES is a Wellcome Trust funded research project based at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
www.adhdvoices.com
ADHD Foundation
www.adhdfoundation.org.uk
ADDNI Children's Charity - Belfast
www.addni.net Mindroom is a special needs charity for children and adults affected by learning difficulties and learning disabilities www.mindroom.org
PATOSS - The professional association of teachers of students with specific learning difficulties
www.patoss-dyslexia.org The Royal College of Psychiatrists
The Royal College of Psychiatrists has a Policy Unit which deals with issues affecting National Mental Health policy and psychiatric practice. Details can be found on the website www.rcpsych.ac.uk/policy (under Policy and Parliamentary).

The Children and Young People's Mental Health Coalition

The Children and Young People's Mental Health Coalition brings together leading charities to campaign jointly on the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people. http://www.cypmhc.org.uk/

Baldock / Hitchin / Letchworth / Royston / Stevenage

Angels Support Group - http://www.angelssupportgroup.org.uk/index.htm

Brighton

ADHD Brighton Support Group - http://adhdbrighton.org.uk/

Bristol

Adult ADHD Support Group - http://aadduk.org/help-support/support-groups/bristol-adult-adhd-support-group/

Cambridgeshire

C ambridgeshire Adult ADHD Support Group - http://addventure-within.co.uk/support/

Chichester

The Hyperactive Children's Support Group - http://www.hacsg.org.uk/page6.html

Coleraine

Phoenix ADHD Project - http://www.phoenixadhdproject.org/contact/

Essex

Chelmsford ADHD Support Group - http://www.adhd-support.org.uk/index.html

Gateshead

Gateshead ADHD Support - http://www.gatesheadadhdsupport.co.uk/whatis.html

Support group for parents of children with ADHD/ADD and Autism in Farnborough Hampshire. We run every month (1st Tuesday of every month) at the Ship Inn Pub in Farnborough. - Contact Nikki Roberts - adhdtimeout@outlook.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/adhdandASDtmeout/
Harrow
Centre for ADHD and Autism Support Harrow - http://adhdandautism.org/

Contact : adhd@adhdandautism.org

Hastings

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Hertfordshire

Understanding ASD and ADHD in Hertfordshire - http://www.add-vance.org/

Lambeth ADHD Support Group: - http://turneyschool.co.uk/2018/10/14/lambeth-adhd-support-group-meetings/

Lancashire

ADHD Lancashire Support Group - http://www.adhdlancashire.co.uk/

Lincoln

Lincoln ADHD Support Group - http://lincolnadhd.org/

Liverpool

Liverpool Adult ADHD (Ladders of Life, LOL) - http://www.meetup.com/Liverpool-adult-adhd-ladders-of-life-meetup-com/

London

London adult ADHD support group - https://sites.google.com/site/joyfivolous/home

Manchester

Manchester Region Attention Deficit Disorder Group - http://www.maddchester.com/

Newcastle

KICK ADHD Support Group - http://www.netmums.com/newcastle/local/view/support-groups/special-needs-adhd/kick-adhd-support-group-keep-including-challenging-kids

Norfolk

Oxfordshire

ADHD Oxfordshire - http://www.adhdoxfordshire.co.uk/Support-Group.html

Richmond

Richmond ADHD Support Group - https://www.facebook.com/AdhdRichmond

Stockport

Stroud District Adults with ADHD - Support and Social Group (Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2123882871088294) or email stroudadhd@gmail.com for more information.

Central Scotland Adult ADHD Support - https://sites.google.com/site/scottishadhdadultsorg/Home

Dundee and Angus Support Group - www.adhddasupport.org

Glasgow Support Group - www.adhdglasgow.org

West Yorkshire

West Yorkshire ADHD Support Group - https://www.facebook.com/WestYorkshireAdhdSupportGroup

Life Coach Directory

Life Coach Directory was set up to increase the awareness of life coaching and enable visitors to find the most suitable coach. Coaching is the process of guiding a person from where they are, to where they want to be. To ensure a professional website is maintained, only life coaches who have shown proof of qualifications and insurance cover, or proof of membership with a professional body, are listed.

The directory has a page dedicated to ADHD - http://www.lifecoach-directory.org.uk/articles/adhd-coaching.html

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Support Groups | The UK ADHD Partnership

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The UK ADHD Partnership supports clinicians and allied professionals to identify and meet the needs of children and young people affected by this disorder. ADHD is now recognised as a condition that may cross the lifespan and there are multi-modal interventions for ADHD that can be delivered at every age.

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MindEd - Mental Health Support for Parents 

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MindEd - Mental Health Support for Parents 

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MindEd is suitable for all adults working with, or caring for, infants, children or teenagers, adults and older people, including people with a learning disability and autistic people; all the information provided is quality assured by experts, useful, and easy to understand. We aim to give adults who care for, or work with people:

the knowledge to support their wellbeing

the understanding to identify a child, young person or adult at risk of a mental health condition

the confidence to act on their concern and, if needed, signpost to services that can help

MindEd is multi-professional, and can be used by teachers, health and mental health professionals, police and judiciary staff, social workers, youth service volunteers, school counsellors among others to support their professional development.

All registered learners can access a learning path tailored to their needs.

Throughout the MindEd site we make use of images and videos. In all cases, except where specifically noted, these images and videos use actors and are not intended to represent any specific person.

Disclaimer

Please note that the advice provided on MindEd is written and quality assured by experts in mental health and is accurate and comprehensive as possible. It is however only general advice and should not be used as a substitute for any individual advice you might receive from consulting your own doctor/mental health professional. Please use your own judgement when deciding how best to apply our information to any specific situation or proposed treatment. This applies to any clinical professionals, who should use their own clinical judgement when interpreting the information on MindEd and deciding how to best apply it in the treatment of patients.

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MindEd is suitable for all adults working with, or caring for, infants, children or teenagers, adults and older people, including people with a learning disability and autistic people; all the information provided is quality assured by experts, useful, and easy to understand.

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Anna Freud Mental Health Advice and Support 

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Anna Freud Mental Health Advice and Support 

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We work with professionals to improve the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people. Learn about our training, services, research and more.

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SEND tips and advice - BBC Parents' Toolkit - BBC Bitesize

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SEND tips and advice - BBC Parents' Toolkit - BBC Bitesize

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Activities, advice and personal stories about parenting and special educational needs and disabilities to help you support your family.

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SNAAP : Special Needs Advisory & Activities Project in Kent

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What we do . .

SNAAP informs, encourages and supports parents and carers, enabling them to provide the best possible help to their children via a range of services. Our priority is to provide the help you need when you need it the most and we focus upon the whole family and not just on the child with disabilities.

If you have a child between 0 - 25 years who has any special need or disability and you live in the Canterbury District, then we are here for you and your family. No formal diagnosis or professional referral is necessary to access SNAAP services.

Our Services

DONATE

Help SNAAP by donating via this QR code

Who we are

SNAAP was started in 2003 by a group of parents who wanted to make a difference and realised that they were not alone in feeling isolated and frustrated. With the help of Contact a Family, who carried out a consultation that highlighted a lack of support and information as well as limited leisure opportunities, SNAAP was born. Our Manager, Carrie Wood, is one of those founding members and helped make SNAAP the charity that it is today.
Meet the Team
SNAAP is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England & Wales with registration number 06800689 whose registered office address is Windchimes, Reynolds Close, Herne Bay, Kent CT6 6DS and is a charity registered with number 1130149.

SNAAP is reliant entirely on grants and donations and provide numerous fundraising activities and events throughout the year.

Donate

Why us?

As a needs-led organisation, we listen to our families and our services are developed to meet those needs and there are opportunities for them to feed into our services.

At the heart of SNAAP lies our fundamental belief in informed parental choice, empowering parents to access the very best services and support to ensure that their children achieve their goals in life.

Read more

Job Opportunities

We have vacancies to work with us as Play Support Workers.

We are currently looking to recruit Play Support Workers to join our friendly team. We are a local charity based in Herne Bay and run short breaks for disabled children aged 8-19 years across 4 different venues in East Kent (Herne Bay, Sittingbourne, Dover and Folkestone). You can work at just one venue or multiple. You will be looking after children on a 1:1 basis but working as part of team and you must be able to motivate and engage in all aspect of caring for our children using your own initiative.

Follow the links below for full-details and an application form.

Job Description Application Form

We also have a vacancy for a Volunteer Cook

We are currently looking to recruit a Volunteer Cook to organise, cook and prepare healthy balanced meals for approximately 20 children during our Youth Club Zone Out, which is for disabled young people aged 11-25yrs who have less complex needs.

Follow the links below for full-details and an application form.

Job Description Application Form

Register with SNAAP today

If you would like to join SNAAP's mailing list, to register yourself or to refer someone else, then please do so by filling a form via the link below :

Testimonials

Here's what our children's families have recently had to say about SNAAP.

News & Events

Read the latest news and upcoming events & activities

Read more

Contact us

Feel free to send us a message or ask a question.

SNAAP, Windchimes, Reynolds Close,
Herne Bay CT6 6DS

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SNAAP : Special Needs Advisory & Activities Project in Kent

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SNAAP informs, encourages and supports parents and carers, enabling them to provide the best possible help to their children via a range of services. Our priority is to provide the help you need when you need it the most and we focus upon the whole family and not just on the child with disabilities.

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In the UK, more than 2 million people are living with sight loss. Of these, around 340,000 are registered as blind or partially sighted.
Being told you have a visual impairment that can't be treated can be difficult to come to terms with.

Some people go through a process similar to bereavement, where they experience a range of emotions including shock, anger, and denial, before eventually coming to accept their condition.

Specialist referral

If you're blind or partially sighted, you may be referred to a specialist low-vision clinic, which is often located within a hospital. Staff at the clinic can help you understand your condition and come to terms with your diagnosis.

They can also advise you about practical things, such as lighting and vision aids, and let you know about further sources of help and support.

Ask your local hospital if they have an Eye Clinic Liaison Officer (ECLO), whose role involves providing support to people with vision loss in eye clinics.

Support groups

If you're blind or partially sighted, you may find it helpful to contact a support group for people with vision loss.

Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)

The RNIB is the UK's leading charity for people with vision loss. The RNIB website offers useful information, such as coming to terms with sight loss.

The RNIB's helpline is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm and Saturday from 9am to 1pm. The number is 0303 123 9999, with calls costing no more than a standard rate call to an 01 or 02 number. You can also email helpline staff ( helpline@rnib.org.uk).

The RNIB's website is specially designed for people with sight loss and provides a wide range of useful information and resources, including an online community and RNIB online shop.

Other national charities

Other national charities that specialise in vision loss and you may find useful include:

Local organisations

There are also many local voluntary organisations around the country that help and support people with vision problems. You can find local support organisations on the RNIB's Sightline Directory.

Registering as blind or partially sighted

If your vision has deteriorated to a certain level, you may choose to register as visually impaired. Depending on the severity of your vision loss you'll either be registered as sight impaired (previously "partially sighted") or severely sight impaired (previously "blind").

Your eye specialist (ophthalmologist) will measure your ability to see detail at a distance (visual acuity) and how much you can see from the side of your eye when looking straight ahead (your field of vision).

These measurements will help your ophthalmologist determine whether you're eligible to be certified as sight impaired or severely sight impaired. If you are, they will complete an official certificate with the results of your eye examination.

In England and Wales this certificate is called the Certificate of Vision Impairment (CVI), in Scotland it's called the CVI (Scotland) form, and in Northern Ireland it's called an A655.

Your ophthalmologist will send a copy of the certificate to you, a copy to your GP and a copy to your local social services department. Upon receiving the certificate, your local social services team will contact you to ask whether you want to be added to its register of visually impaired people. If you say "yes" then you become registered.

After you're registered, social services will contact you again to arrange for an assessment to be carried out. The aim is to assess your needs and find out what help you require to remain independent, such as help with cleaning and cooking, or help with mobility and transport.

Registering as visually impaired isn't compulsory, but it can help you to get a range of benefits, including:

Find out more:

Changes to your home

Most visually impaired people can continue to live at home. However, you'll probably need to make some changes to your home, particularly if you live on your own.

Below is a list of some important pieces of equipment you may find useful.

Big-button telephone - both landline and mobile phones are available from the RNIB online shop.

Computer, smartphone or tablet - the internet can provide a real sense of connection to friends and family as well as other people with a visual impairment. It's also a practical way of finding out information and obtaining goods and services. Big-button keyboards, screen display software and text readers are available from the RNIB.

Community alarm - this small, wearable device has an alarm button which, if pressed, sends an alarm signal to a response centre, which will alert a nominated friend or carer. Your local authority should be able to provide you with further information.

Bright lighting - bright light bulbs and adjustable lights are essential for your home, particularly in the kitchen and the stairs (areas where you're most likely to have an accident). Fluorescent bulbs are recommended because they produce the most light and tend to be cheaper in the long term than conventional bulbs. Lighting in and around the home: A guide to better lighting for people with visual impairment by the Thomas Pocklington Trust, contains more information on the importance of lighting.

The way your house is painted can also make it easier to find your way around. Using a two-tone contrast approach, such as black and white, can make it easier to tell the difference between nearby objects, such as a door and its handle or the stairs and its handrail.
Read more from the RNIB about adapting your home

Reading and writing

There are several options available if you're having problems reading standard text in books, newspapers and magazines.

One of the simplest options is to use a magnifying device that can make print appear bigger to help you read. These can be obtained from a number of places including hospital low-vision services, optometrists, local voluntary organisations, and the RNIB.

The RNIB also has a collection of large-print publications you can borrow, as do most libraries.

You could also use an e-reader to help you read. E-readers are handheld devices that allow you to download books and subscribe to newspapers and magazines on the internet. You can choose a setting that allows you to display text at a larger size. Or you can use text-to-speech software.
The RNIB has more information on text-to-speech in eBooks
If you're unable to read at all you could listen to audio recordings. You can sign up to the:

RNIB's Newsagent scheme, which provides more than 200 magazine and newspaper titles in different formats, such as online or on CD.

RNIB Talking Books Service, where you can download audio books to listen to on your smartphone, tablet or computer or on a device known as a DAISY player. You can also get books on CD or USB stick, delivered to your door.

You can also install screen-reading software on your computer that will read out emails, documents and text on the internet.
The RNIB has more information about using screen-reading software
There are also voice recognition programmes where you speak into a microphone and the software translates what you say into writing. These programmes can also be used to issue commands, such as closing down the internet and moving from one website to another.

Braille

Some people with severe sight loss, particularly those who've had the problem from a young age, choose to learn Braille. Braille is a writing system where raised dots are used as a substitute for written letters.

As well as Braille versions of books and magazines, you can buy Braille display units, which can be attached to computers that allow you to read the text displayed on a computer screen. Braille computer keyboards are also available.
The RNIB website has more information about reading and Braille

Getting around

There are several different methods you can use to get around independently if you have a problem with your vision.

Long cane

You may find a long cane useful when travelling. These canes are usually foldable and can help you get around by detecting objects in your path. The cane will also make drivers and other pedestrians aware that you have sight loss.

To get the most from a long cane, it's a good idea to attend a training course that will teach you how to use it.
The charity Guide Dogs has more information about getting around safely with a long cane
Guide dogs

Guide Dogs has been providing guide dogs for people with vision loss for many years. Guide dogs can help you get around, and provide both a sense of independence and companionship.

If you apply for a guide dog, Guide Dogs provide all the essential equipment free of charge and can also offer financial assistance if needed for things like food or vet costs.

You don't need to have lost all your sight to benefit from a guide dog and you don't have to be officially registered as blind or partially sighted to apply for one.
Guide Dogs has more on applying for a guide dog
Guide Dogs also offer a number of other services for people with a visual impairment (even if you don't have a guide dog), such as Help for children and families and mobility training.

The Guide Dogs' Sighted guiding service aims to reduce the isolation that many people with sight loss experience, helping to rebuild their confidence and regain their independence.

Global positioning system (GPS)

A global positioning system (GPS) is a navigational aid that uses signals from satellites to tell you where you are and help plan your journeys.

GPS devices are available as standalone units that can be programmed using a Braille keyboard, which tell you your current location and give you directions to where you want to go.

If you have a smartphone, there are a number of GPS apps you can download.
The RNIB website has more information about using GPS
Driving

If you're diagnosed with a condition that affects your vision, you have a legal obligation to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). Failure to do so is a crime and can result in a fine of up to £1,000.
GOV.UK has more on driving with a disability or a health condition
If you're registered as having a sight impairment, the DVLA will assume your driving licence is no longer valid and you'll no longer be able to drive.

Exceptions are occasionally made for people with mild vision impairment. If you think this applies to you, then your doctor will need to fill in a DVLA medical information questionnaire.

You're only legally allowed to drive if you can read a number plate from a distance of 20 metres (65 feet), and an eye test shows your visual acuity is at least 6/12. You're allowed to wear glasses or contact lenses when reading the plate or letter chart.

There are also standards relating to your visual field and driving. If you have a condition that may reduce your visual field, the DVLA may ask you to complete a visual field test to demonstrate you're safe to drive.

Technology

Technology to help you live well and safely with sight loss is developing all the time. You can read:

Employment

If you're currently employed and have recently been diagnosed with a visual impairment, you should contact the GOV.UK: Access to Work scheme.

Access to Work is a scheme run by Jobcentre Plus that provides advice and support about what equipment and adjustments may be required to enable you to do your job.

They also offer a grant to contribute towards the costs of any equipment or training you may need, such as voice recognition software, a Braille keyboard and display unit and a printer that can convert text into Braille (Braille embossers).

Depending on the size of the company you work for, the grant can pay for 80% to 100% of costs, up to £10,000.

Find out more:

You don't have to disclose that you have a visual impairment when applying for a job, but it's usually recommended that you do.

If you feel you've been turned down for a job because of your disability, and you were capable of doing the job, you can make a complaint under the Equality Act 2010.

Some people with a visual impairment decide to become self-employed, often because it allows them the flexibility to work at home for hours they choose.
The RNIB website has more information and advice about equality, rights and employment
Regular sight tests

If you have vision loss, it's still important to have regular sight tests so your optometrist (eye specialist) can check for further changes in your eyes and give you advice about how to make the best use of your vision.

Find an optician or more about NHS eyes services.

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Information for people with vision loss including details of support organisations, plus advice about specialist equipment, home modifications and mobility.

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Sensory Processing for Parents - Resources and Information on SPD

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Sensory Processing for Parents - Resources and Information on SPD

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GriffinOT provides resources and information on SPD for parents and teachers. This includes online sensory processing disorder training packages.

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you have sudden hearing loss in 1 or both ears

your hearing has been getting worse over the last few days or weeks

you have hearing loss along with other symptoms, such as earache or discharge coming out of the ear

It might not be anything serious, but it's best to get help as it may need to be treated quickly.

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.

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Find out about the common signs and causes of hearing loss, when to get medical help and how hearing loss is treated.

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31 Days of Sensory Play Ideas. Kid Approved! - Childhood101

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A whole month of fabulous sensory play ideas that kids of all ages will love.
I've previously shared the enormous benefits of sensory play to brain development, and these experiences are not just important for babies and toddlers. Children of all ages benefit from sensory play. Beyond the positive impact upon the brain, sensory play also aids the development of thinking skills and fine and gross motor skills, and it can also act as a great stress reliever.

I personally love sensory play activities as they are simple to set up, generally requiring just a handful of items you'll most probably already have in your home. Yes, some sensory play ideas are messy but by putting in place simple measures to limit your child's play space, the mess can generally be restricted.

For example, try setting the activity up as a sensory bin so that it is contained within a large plastic tub/bin, set up on a mess mat on the floor (we've even used a small blow up pool as a rice play pit), or take it outdoors where the mess won't matter quite so much. Have clean up tools such as a dustpan and brush or wet wipes nearby before you begin to make clean up easier too.

Today I'm sharing 31 Days of Sensory Play Ideas. These ideas are great for days at home or as after school activities. I've sorted the ideas according to which of the five senses is the main focus of the activity (though they, of course, mostly engage all of the senses!). You could work through the list in order, or mix up the days to explore a different type of sensory activity each day. Enjoy!

Sensory Play Ideas for Touch

1. Frozen Dinosaur Eggs

2. Texture Balloon Sensory Play

3. Beach Sensory Play

4. Farm Sensory Play

5. Fluffy Slime

6. Jungle Slime
Related: 5 Games That Develop the Sense of Touch
7. Bubble Bin Sensory Play

8. Digging for Worms Sensory Play

9. Make Silly Putty

10. Rainbow Slime

11. Sparkling Flower Water Play

12. Shaving Cream & Bubble Wrap Play

Sensory Play Ideas for Sight

13. Fizzy Cloud Dough

14. I Spy Sensory Play

15. Slow Motion Sensory Bottle

16. Mermaid Fabric Sensory Board

17. Water Beads Sensory Window Bags

18. Rainbow Chickpeas

19. Exploring Magnet Sensory Play

Sensory Play Ideas for Smell

20. Scented Sensory Bottle

21. Rosemary Rice Sensory Tub

22. Lavender Sensory Rice

23. Scented Rainbow Sensory Science

24. BEST Ever Scented Playdough Recipe

25. Scented Snowflake Soup Sensory Play

Sensory Play Ideas for Sound

26. Don't Ring the Bells! Obstacle Course

27. Rainstick Sensory Bottle (check out the video below for instructions)

28. Exploring Sound Treasure Basket

Taste-Safe Sensory Play Ideas

29. Stuck in the Mud Sensory Activity

30. Edible Glitter Finger Paint

31. Hot Chocolate Cloud Dough

And, if after all of that you are looking for more sensory play-spiration, you might like this collection of the Best Sensory Toys for Kids and 15 Ways to Have Fun with Mud.

Christie Burnett is an early childhood teacher, presenter, writer and the editor of Childhood 101. More importantly, she is a Mum who believes wholeheartedly in the value of children learning through play, the importance of quality early education, and the togetherness of family.

Read more of Christie's adventures at https://childhood101.com.

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31 Days of Sensory Play Ideas. Kid Approved! - Childhood101

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A whole month of fabulous sensory play ideas that kids of all ages will love. I've previously shared the enormous benefits of sensory play to brain development, and these experiences are not just important for babies and toddlers. Children of all ages benefit from sensory play.

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Welcome to the Parent Portal, our award-winning speech and language support website for parents, carers and families.

At Speech and Language Link, we understand that supporting your child's language learning, alongside everything else that life demands from you, can be challenging. The Parent Portal provides ideas and advice, information and activities for developing your child's understanding, talking and listening in a way that works for all of your family.

How to use the site? Visit the development tab to help you work out what the next steps are for your child's learning and then go to the stage-appropriate activities section. You don't always need to create a special time for working on listening and talking, use our everyday activities turn many routine tasks into support activities.

Our speech and language therapists have devised support videos for you. Check out the 'Can I have your attention please?' series to help get your child in the right frame of mind for learning and access super fun games and ideas to encourage a range of language skills.

Our activities are designed to fit around normal family life and by implementing some of them every day you can make a real difference to your child's language development.

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Supporting Parents and Carers who support children with SLCN - Speech and Language resources, information and activities

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Help for families - Speech and Language UK: Changing young lives

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Speech and Language UK: Changing young lives

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Skip to content

We give families the confidence and skills to help their children. If you're concerned about your child's speech and language development, we can help.

We know that it can be hard to know where to start if you are worried about your child's development. If you think your child is having challenges with talking and understanding words, we are here to help you.

Our free resources and services can help with understanding what to look out for, how to get support and even some simple ways you can help your child at home.

Our progress checker will provide short questions you can answer to see how your baby or child is getting on with their talking and understanding of words.

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Help for families - Speech and Language UK: Changing young lives

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We give families the confidence and skills to help their children. Access our free resources and learn more about ways to encourage children's speech and language development.

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We have consulted with parents to develop some key resources to help you.

You can become a member of our network of Parent Champions, who are passionate about helping parents and carers of children and young people with dyslexia or specific learning difficulties. You can find out more on our Parent Champions here.

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Occupational and Physical Therapies support

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Occupational and Physical Therapies support

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Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust

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If you are the parent of a child who isn't known to our therapy service, or a health or education profession working with a child not known to the service, and would like to speak to a therapist about how best to support them, give our advice line a call.

To access the line, call the team on the usual numbers:

North Kent (Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley)
0300 790 6235

East Kent (Thanet and Canterbury)
0300 123 8112

West Kent (Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks)
0300 123 7004

...and ask to speak to someone on the advice line.

For queries about how a child's speech, language or communication is developing (for example, how clear their speech is, how many words they are using or the words they understand) ask to speak to a speech and language therapist.

If you have concerns about a child's physical development or coordination (for example meeting their milestones such as crawling or walking, or their ability to participate in everyday activities) ask to speak to a physiotherapist or occupational therapist.

As a result of the information you share on the call the therapist might:

share resources with you to help support the child

suggest that you contact another service for more support

suggest that you seek further advice from another profession on the advice line

advise you or someone working with the child to make a referral to Children's Therapies.

The advice line is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday - if the line is busy you will be able to leave a message and someone will call you back.

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Children's TherapiesThe Pod Children's therapies Welcome to The Pod! Here you will find films, resources and links that can help your child achieve their therapy goals. We support children and young people to develop their skills to their full potential, so they can participate in everyday activities.