vince conference november 2012 anne towers – head of counselling anne edward – chair of...
TRANSCRIPT
VINCE Conference November 2012
Anne Towers – Head of CounsellingAnne Edward – Chair of Parent’s AssociationPretty 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 8th 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 8th 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 8th 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 8th November 2012
Visual Impairment
• Eye Lady
• VI – eyes &/or cortical
• Resulting in Low vision & /or perceptual
loss
• Progressive
• Conditions
• Effects
VINCE Conference, Birmingham 8th 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 8th November 2012
Purpose of visual impairment service
• Education
• Communication
• Independent Living/Mobility
VINCE Conference, Birmingham 8th 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 8th November 2012
Family stories
Parent.
Child
VINCE Conference, Birmingham 8th 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 8th 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 8th November 2012
Counselling is about listening to and enabling the processing of:
Rage
Guilt
Anger
Difference
Low self-esteem
VINCE Conference, Birmingham 8th 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 8th 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 8th 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 8th 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 8th November 2012
Who to Counsel – Parent or Child? What do you think?
www.treloar.org.uk
Treloar’s • Holybourne Alton Hampshire GU34 4GLT 01420 547 400 • E [email protected]
Charity number.1092857
Thank you