VINCE Conference November 2012 Anne Towers – Head of Counselling Anne Edward – Chair of Parent’s Association Pretty Garrett – Orthoptist

Who to Counsel – Parent or Child?

Our Vision “To create a world where physically disabled young people learn to take control of their lives and dare to dream.” VINCE Conference, Birmingham 8 th November 2012

Our Mission “To remove barriers and provide opportunities for physically disabled young people to learn, develop independence and realise their potential – through one nationally recognised centre of expertise, which is the hub of Treloar’s education, support and other services”. VINCE Conference, Birmingham 8 th November 2012

Over 100 years old Founded in 1906 by Sir Willliam Purdie Treloar, Lord Mayor of the City of London His Vision – to bring together medical care, education and opportunity for London’s “little crippled children” to take control of their lives. VINCE Conference, Birmingham 8 th November 2012

166 Students 70% Cerebral Palsy 10% Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy 3% Acquired Brain Injury 2% Spina Bifida 15% Other 66% Powered Mobility 14% Ambulant 10% No independent Mobility 10% Manual wheelchair 60% Little or no communication 33% Visual Impairment VINCE Conference, Birmingham 8 th November 2012

Visual Impairment Eye Lady VI – eyes &/or cortical Resulting in Low vision & /or perceptual loss Progressive Conditions Effects VINCE Conference, Birmingham 8 th November 2012

Supporting students with visual impairment Clinical & Functional assessment of vision Emotional aspects & additional disabilities MDT work with staff at School & College Liaison with external specialists Educational access VINCE Conference, Birmingham 8 th November 2012

Purpose of visual impairment service Education Communication Independent Living/Mobility VINCE Conference, Birmingham 8 th November 2012

Assisting students with visual impairment LVAs – physical disability…CCTVs Assistive Technology – eg Zoomtext, Dragon, Read & Write, Claro, ipads Communication Aids - accessibility School statements, annual reviews School & College exam concessions VINCE Conference, Birmingham 8 th November 2012

Family stories Parent. Child VINCE Conference, Birmingham 8 th November 2012

Aims of Counselling Service Offering a confidential service for students within the boundaries of safeguarding Enabling students to express worries and concerns in a secure and safe setting Promoting autonomy and choice for students Enabling students to find their own solutions If necessary and appropriate liaising with staff and families with the knowledge of and consent (College) and/or assessment of Gillick/Fraser competence (School) VINCE Conference, Birmingham 8 th November 2012

How to decide what is best for the child young person? ‘Does he take sugar attitude?’ ‘You have so much to be thankful for, such a supportive family, great school/ college’ etc ‘We are just trying to keep you safe’ VINCE Conference, Birmingham 8 th November 2012

Counselling is about listening to and enabling the processing of: Rage Guilt Anger Difference Low self-esteem VINCE Conference, Birmingham 8 th November 2012

Conflict of needs between parent and child ‘What if the counsellor encourages my child in wanting to do something I don’t want them to do? ‘What if my child says something to the counsellor about home...’ ‘ The counsellor won’t tell me what they talk about and I feel out of control’ ‘Where is the help for me? VINCE Conference, Birmingham 8 th November 2012

Parental viewpoint It is NOT only the child that has to come to terms with their disability: Parents need to come to terms with the disability of their child They must overcome the ‘loss’ of the child that they will have expected to bring up They must learn the new ‘needs’ which may be legal, financial, educational, health, therapy, assistive technology and aids etc. A family is often perceived differently and as a result often feel distanced from the lives and emotions of friends and family. Parent often need to care and provide as normal a life as possible to siblings and remember themselves as a couple at the same time VINCE Conference, Birmingham 8 th November 2012

Professional Input to Parents It is often difficult for parents to express their concerns or inability to understand a diagnosis Parents will bear the load of a professional decision on behalf of themselves and their child – a double burden Parents will be in a position to understand the longer term consequences and may even exagerate their influence on life This results in parents often feeling vulnerable VINCE Conference, Birmingham 8 th November 2012

Who needs counselling – the Parent or the Child? Answer: Both ! The child will depend for their emotional well- being on their parent as much as themselves especially where they are dependent on that parent as a carer, advocate and in many cases confidante where close friends are difficult to make. Counselling the parent will assist the child (like the ripples in a pond) VINCE Conference, Birmingham 8 th November 2012

Treloar’s Holybourne Alton Hampshire GU34 4GL T E Charity number Thank you