This article tells of the vision, funding, development and operation of the disability focused radio station, known initially as the Scope Cwmbran Radio Pilot, which broadcast request and information programmes to service users of the Cwmbran Scope buildings. The pilot evolved into Able Radio, with financing from Links-Wales and moved to the former Ty Nant Ddu day centre. Training was provided for volunteers with sensory impairments, physical disabilities and mental health problems and Able Radio went on air 9th February 2009. A second studio has also been funded. The Big Lottery will art-fund a station manager and assistant over the next 3 years.
This article tells of the vision, funding, development and operation of the disability focused radio station, known initially as the Scope Cwmbran Radio Pilot, which broadcast request and information programmes to service users of the Cwmbran Scope buildings. The pilot evolved into Able Radio, with financing from Links-Wales and moved to the former Ty Nant Ddu day centre. Training was provided for volunteers with sensory impairments, physical disabilities and mental health problems and Able Radio went on air 9th February 2009. A second studio has also been funded. The Big Lottery will art-fund a station manager and assistant over the next 3 years.
Subject terms:
information services, mass media, mental health problems, physical disabilities, sensory impairments, volunteers, disabilities;
The Barnardo's Participation Project, previously known as the Disabled Children and Young People's Participation Project, was established by Barnardo's (Northern Ireland) in 2002. The aim of the Project was to develop ways of involving children and young people with disabilities in decision-making in relation to health and social care and children's services planning processes. Since its inception, hundreds of children and young people, with a range of physical and learning disabilities, sensory impairments and autism as well as life-limiting conditions, have participated in the Project. This paper describes how the Project has evolved over the years in response to emerging issues identified by the members as well as the demands of changing organisational and political contexts. Reflecting on the journey of the Project, the paper identifies the factors that contribute to successful participation practice and the challenges to participatory practice in recent years. As the title of this article suggests, the Project has found that children and young people with disabilities are skilled in recognising the difference between tokenistic consultation and meaningful participation. Within policy there is a strong emphasis on service user involvement; however, the principles of good participation practice require specific knowledge and attention. Good participation practice requires policy-makers and professionals to realign themselves with the rights of children and young people to have their say. The value of true, meaningful participation is evidenced by seeking and acting on their views about issues that affect their lives.
The Barnardo's Participation Project, previously known as the Disabled Children and Young People's Participation Project, was established by Barnardo's (Northern Ireland) in 2002. The aim of the Project was to develop ways of involving children and young people with disabilities in decision-making in relation to health and social care and children's services planning processes. Since its inception, hundreds of children and young people, with a range of physical and learning disabilities, sensory impairments and autism as well as life-limiting conditions, have participated in the Project. This paper describes how the Project has evolved over the years in response to emerging issues identified by the members as well as the demands of changing organisational and political contexts. Reflecting on the journey of the Project, the paper identifies the factors that contribute to successful participation practice and the challenges to participatory practice in recent years. As the title of this article suggests, the Project has found that children and young people with disabilities are skilled in recognising the difference between tokenistic consultation and meaningful participation. Within policy there is a strong emphasis on service user involvement; however, the principles of good participation practice require specific knowledge and attention. Good participation practice requires policy-makers and professionals to realign themselves with the rights of children and young people to have their say. The value of true, meaningful participation is evidenced by seeking and acting on their views about issues that affect their lives.
Subject terms:
disabilities, children, young people, participation, health, physical disabilities, sensory impairments, autism, service users, consultation;
Support for new parents who are disabled is rare. This article reports on the Disabled Parents Network’s Support Service, the winner of Community Care's 2005 Maureen Oswin Memorial Award.
Support for new parents who are disabled is rare. This article reports on the Disabled Parents Network’s Support Service, the winner of Community Care's 2005 Maureen Oswin Memorial Award.
Subject terms:
helplines, learning disabilities, mental health problems, parents, parents with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, sensory impairments, advice services;