The disability sub forum meets 6 times a year, with 2 meetings held in North Wales, South West Wales and South East Wales. These meetings provide an opportunity to discuss issues in more detail than is possible in the main Forum meetings and the aim is to encourage inter agency working between groups of local authorities.  The meeting is open to all professionals from the statutory and voluntary sector who work with disabled children and young people in the areas covered by the various sub Forum meetings.

The sub Forum meetings are held as half day meetings Two issues are usually discussed at each meeting with the discussion workshop for each topic following the this format.

• An overview / introduction to the topic to be discussed
• Representatives of each local authority present are encouraged to share with their group what the current situation is like in their local authority.
• Opportunities are given to share examples of good practice
• Members are encouraged to discuss any difficulties that are experienced and to discuss ways of overcoming these.

Following the workshop sessions, a buffet lunch is provided for those members who wish to stay. This provides a good opportunity for informal networking amongst Forum members.

Subjects discussed during the past year include – Short break, Education for disabled children and those with special educational needs, Transitions, Play and Leisure. Papers have been prepared on the above issues and will be passed onto the Policy Group for discussion before being passed onto representatives at the Welsh Assembly Government with the aim of influencing policy development for disabled children in Wales.

Cost

Children in Wales pays for the hire of the venue.  Participants are asked to make a contribution of £5.00 towards covering the cost of the buffet lunch.

For more information contact Catherine M. Lewis, Children First Development Officer (Disabled Children), Tel: 029 2034 2434, E-mail: catherine.lewis@childreninwales.org.uk