New DVD and information guides for young people with disabilities on preparing for adult life

A DVD and new information guides have been produced by Shropshire Council and partners to help young people with disabilities or additional needs on preparing for adult life.

The resources have been developed with a variety of organisations, young people, parents and carers. They aim to help reduce uncertainty for young people with disabilities or additional needs, and their parents or carers, as the young people move through teenage years into adulthood.

The materials available are:

• A Parent Carer Guide. This pack outlines what to expect at each stage during the transition process. It also provides contacts and links to further information which support the development of a young person’s Transition Plan – a document which outlines what the young person wants to achieve as they prepare for adult life.
• Transition DVD. This has been produced with young people for young people, and features examples of individuals who have gone through the transition process. It provides a guide to the type of things young people may want to start thinking about when it comes to their future.
• Shropshire Multi-Agency Transition Protocol. This sets the framework for the transition process, for all professionals who are involved.

Councillor Ann Hartley, Shropshire Council Cabinet member for health and well-being said:

“The move from teenage years to adulthood is a big change for all young people. We want to ensure that families whose children need additional support at this stage in their lives know what is available and how they can be supported to prepare for the future.

“That’s why they have been at the heart of the development of this new DVD and the information guides. Their views on the information that families really value and how it should be presented have shaped the new resources.”

Councillor Steve Charmley, Cabinet member with responsibility for disabilities, said:

“It is important that that there is clear, easily accessible information at hand for young people with disabilities or additional needs and their families, to support them in making the transition to adult life.

“We hope that lots of families find the DVD and guides helpful in exploring and planning education, work, health support, housing and social support options which enable young people to live full lives and be active members of their community.”

The DVD and guides are available by clicking here. 

For further information please contact the Disabled Children’s Team on 01743 250225 or your local branch of Shropshire Youth.