Latest edition of local services guide for young people with disabilities launched
Guide to Services for Young People with Disabilities in Longford and Westmeath 3rd Edition
An important document for families, carers, young people with disabilities and professionals that enables them to find resources and support has been launched in its third edition this week.
Westmeath County Childcare Committee, in collaboration with Longford County Childcare Committee, and Longford Westmeath Children and Young People’s Services Committee, have put together and are promoting the ‘Guide to Services for Young People with Disabilities in Longford and Westmeath’.
Research shows that families and carers of young people with additional needs require access or signposting to information regarding services, and the new guide is a comprehensive resource that can be accessed online.
It contains information on:
• Professionals and services supporting people with disabilities
• Professionals and services in the Irish education system
• The progression of disability services
• Early Intervention Team and School Aged Team
• Steps to having a child assessed
• Immunisations and developmental milestones
• List of disabilities and supports for each
• Communication tools and language and etiquette
• Education and transport
• Day care, residential and respite services
• Benefits and allowances
Muriel Flynn, manager Westmeath County Childcare, said: “This document is an empowering tool for families, carers, young people and professionals which enables them to find local resources and support.”
Angela Lock Reilly, MSc in Rehabilitation and Disability Studies from UCD, the researcher on the project, and who is the parent of Jacob, said that it is essential that information and resources are updated and available for parents – ultimately we need local area disability co-ordinators to support families in each county.
The free guide is available at the Longford and Westmeath County Childcare Committee websites.