[helenspecialneedshandbook]

CAN YOU HELP?
We are in the process of compiling the Special Needs Handbook which will be a parent to parent and therapist to parent information-sharing, daily problem-solving guide. The handbook will be available free of charge to anybody/everybody as a download on the internet. Any internet user will be able to print off and copy any of the material to use, either personally or to disseminate freely to others eg support groups, schools, therapists, etc. Essentially it's an exercise in information sharing - whatever we find we will share with everyone else. This is a not-for-profit project.
So, I'm looking for tips and suggestions from parents and carers of things that have worked for them.
If you have time to contribute, please email me:
helen@specialneedshandbook.com
Many thanks
Helen
PS our handbook recently made front page news at:
http://timesonline.typepad.com/india_knight/

[Julie]

Hi Helen

What a great idea.  Good Luck with this venture.

One part that needs to be included are benefits available and how to claim them.  As previously mentioned on this website, most of us found out almost by accident that we could apply for Disability Living Allowance and Carer's Allowance for our children.  Plus there are lots of other allowances and free things that can be claimed if a person/child is registered as disabled (such as lagging in the loft and also cavity wall insulation).  You need to investigate this area and make it a chapter (a very important chapter) of the handbook. 

I also think that you should break down the different areas of 'Special Needs'.  This is such a vast subject, and I can only comment on my Son's special needs so I cannot give you a list of everything to cover.  However, I would like to suggest that you have a chapter on Coping With Autism.

Can I also suggest that you have a link to services within each local area.  For instance in my area there is an organisation who provides play opportunities through the school holidays for children with disabilities and their families.  This would not necessarily apply to other areas.  Some research is obviously needed for this part.

Are you in the UK, by the way?

Good Luck and Best Wishes
Julie

[Lizzymd®]

Hiya

I'm trying to compile something similar, will be very interested in what you have.

When you are covering benefits, don't forget entitledto.com

[helenspecialneedshandbook]

Hi Juile,

Thanks very much for you comments and suggestions. We will certinaly take them on-board. We are indeed based in the UK and are hoping that the book will cover the aspects you have mentioned and much more.

Please continue to send us your tips though, we still have a long way to go!

Helen

[Chris]

i have one of these for school so my mum can talk to my teachers, it is called a home-school book.