Disability

Leonard Cheshire Disability

Changing perceptions of disabled people

The media tends to paint many disabled people as victims or people to be pitied, and  dwells on stories of triumph over tragedy. In addition, research by nfpSynergy revealed 70 per cent of the public can not name a charity working in the area of disability, with the cause ranking lower in the public mind than cancer, children, cats and dogs. Leonard Cheshire Disability’s own public awareness had fallen steadily over the past eight years from 44 per cent to 27 per cent.

To address this, Leonard Cheshire Disability launched a campaign to raise awareness of disability which revealed insights into the lives and experiences of disabled people, in their own words and voices.

The charity undertook research that found the public thought disability was no longer an issue they needed to be concerned about because of medical progress, the NHS and the physical evidence of disability facilities in public places. People also saw disabled people as different from themselves and preferred to ignore them.

Working with Aardman Animations, famous for the Creature Comforts adverts, the charity created animations to raise awareness. Aardman’s team interviewed disabled people and asked them about their experience of people’s attitudes and of discrimination, access and accessibility. Experts from these interviews formed the basis for four short animated with a character for each voice.

The Creature Discomforts campaign was a major news story on all media channels the day it launched. Research now indicates that awareness of Leonard Cheshire Disability has risen to 32 per cent.

Judith Barnard
Communications director
30 Millbank, London SW1P 4QD
020 7802 8298
www.lcdisability.org
Reg no. 218186

Mind in Croydon

Supporting parents with mental health problems

In 2004, Mind in Croydon realised parents with mental health problems needed a support network. Parents who were members of the charity’s social club complained that there were few facilities for mental health clients with children. For example, there was no mental health day care centre in the borough to which parents could take children. At the same time, it found mentally ill parents were experiencing conflict with child protection agencies. Often communication between the mental health team and the families team was not effective. This created a dilemma for parents – should they disclose the level of their mental health needs and risk having their child taken from them, or deny the extent of their current mental health problem and exclude themselves from the care and treatment they needed?

To address this, Mind in Croydon now runs weekly meetings for parents at its social club. Cara Cooper, Mind’s human resources manager, says: “It’s like an ordinary parent and toddler group. Families play with toys and there are outings out. But we will also take on wider issue if they crop up.”

One client diagnosed with schizophrenia had a son who had not been to school for two years and was in danger of taking over the parenting role from his mother. With the social club’s help the child is now back in the education system and the parent/child roles have been re-established. Another parent successfully completed a literacy course and is now able to help his children to read.

Cara Cooper
Human resources manager
26 Pampisford Road, Purley, Surrey CR8 2NE
020 8668 2210
www.mindincroydon.org.uk
Reg no. 1073880

Prior’s Court Foundation

A new approach to autism education and care

Autistic-specific education and care provision was the vision of Dame Stephanie Shirley who has an adult son severely affected by autism. During her son’s childhood appropriate provision had not been available and he was cared for in a variety of settings including a mental hospital. On visiting the Higashi School, a special school in Boston, she became determined to set up a school in this country which would provide the best, most appropriate environment for children with autism and severe and complex learning difficulties.

Shirley found a principal, Robert Hubbard who investigated the approach used by Higashi School and other methodologies worldwide. She also purchased Prior’s Court estate and funded a programme of refurbishment to create an autistic-specific environment and high quality facilities to meet the special needs of pupils.

Led by Hubbard, planning and execution of the school involved attention to the smallest detail. The colours of the walls were carefully researched and considered, furniture was specially designed and monitors were placed in ceilings and doors.

The school opened in 1990 with 28 staff and 2 people; it now provides 24-hour-care and education for 63 children up to age of 19 with a staff of over 280.

A key element to the success of the Prior approach is the waking day curriculum which provides each student with a consistent, co-ordinated programme of learning and structure throughout their waking day. The structured routine enables them to develop the appropriate sleeping, eating and toileting patterns and acquire independent living. The programme of learning includes both group and individual activities with a strong emphasis on communication, daily living skills, physical activities and academic work.

Hubbard says: “Prior’s Court created an approach enabling individuals severely affected by their autism to cope, progress and reach their potential.”

Lauraine Jones
PA to chief executive
Prior’s Court School, Hermitage, Berkshire, RG18 9NU
01635 247 202
www.priorscourt.org.uk
Reg no. 1070227

...Back | Top | Print