Professionals from across Wales are meeting at a conference in Cardiff today to discuss the importance of intervening early for disabled children. The earliest years of a child’s life are crucial for its development. When a child has additional needs or is disabled, it is vital that this is identified at an early stage so that early intervention and support strategies are put in place for both the child and the family. This conference, Working Together from the Start, will examine these strategies, the best ways to deliver services to young disabled children and the best ways of supporting familes. Minister for Children, Jane Hutt will give a keynote address to the conference and there will be a range of workshops led by professionals who will share their experiences of working with disabled children and their parents.
Jane Hutt, Minister for Children said: "Giving every child a flying start in life is the first of the Welsh Assembly Government’s seven key core aims for children. By intervening early, through the early identification of disabilities we can ensure that every child has the same opportunities regardless of a disability. Providing this support is essential to ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach their potential."
Cath Lewis, Development Officer for Disability at Children in Wales said: " All children have the right to the best possible start in life and it is vital that early intervention and support is offered to the disabled child and family. This conference will reflect on these issues as well as aiming to ensure that disabled children and their families are able to access the seven core aims of the Disabled Children Matters Wales Campaign"
Notes:
1. Working Together from the Start, Coping with the Impact of Disability in the Early Years will take place at the University Conference Centre, Penylan, Cardiff, on Friday 11 April between 9.30 and 4.00 pm. The keynote speakers at the conference are:
2. The Disabled Children Matter Wales Campaign aims to ensure that disabled children, young people and their families are able to access the rights that they deserve in order to live an ordinary a life as possible. Website address :- www.dcmw.org.uk
3. Children in Wales was established in March 1992 and became a registered charity in 1993. It aims to promote the interests of children, to improve services in Wales and to put children high on the Welsh agenda. We work closely with our members who comprise professionals, policy makers and consumer groups to improve the lives of all children living in Wales, but especially young children, those affected by family instability, children with special needs or disabilities and those suffering the effects of poverty and deprivation. We collect and disseminate information about children and promote good practice in children's services through research, policy and practice development, publications, conferences, seminars, training and access to an extensive library and information service. Children in Wales has offices in Cardiff and Caernarfon.
For More Information Contact:
Lynne Hill, Children in Wales, Tel: 029 2034 2434, Mobile: 07721 568084, e-mail: lynne.hill@childreninwales.org.uk
Cath Lewis, Development Officer, Disability, Children in Wales, Tel: 029 2034 2434, e-mail: catherine.lewis@childreninwales.org.uk