Transitions

Livability supports many young people every year to transition successfully from school to further education, and from college into the adult world. We are also expert at supporting disabled adults through transitions at other stages in their lives, such as into employment or a more independent living situation.

“My friend whose child has gone to this other place has recommended it highly, but unfortunately she said to get in there, you will have to sort of say to Social Services that you are not having your daughter at home, no matter what, and that is the only way to get her in. Once she is home with you, there is no way on earth that you will get her anywhere. You can forget it”
Tiffany’s mum

“I did to go to college for a year, but that was it, basically. Apart from college, I didn’t do anything. I was in my room on my own, night after night and day after day. I felt a bit isolated. I was like a vegetable. Just bored”
Nicky

“I just needed people to respect the way I am and realise that they couldn’t change me. I wanted to be treated like an equal person who able-bodied. Although I’m in a wheelchair, I would like people to look at me as an adult and not look at me as in a chair”
Beth

Below are some useful resources for disabled young people, adults and their families and carers who are facing transitions.

We will be adding considerably to these online resources during 2012, so please visit our site over the next few months for further help.

Websites

National Campaigns
Read Livability’s major report Freedom to Live on the challenges facing young people in transition to adult life.

Transition Information Network
Transition Information Network (TIN) provides information for disabled young people, parents/carers and professionals who are supporting disabled young people to transition to adult life. Includes a dedicated section for young disabled people, with a regular magazine and resources. TIN offers an online resource library, e-bulletins and seminars. The network draws together organisations and individuals who are working to improve young peoples’ experience of transition.

National Parent Partnership Network
National Parent Partnership Network (NPPN) promotes statutory Parent Partnership Services (PPS) across the UK. PPS advise parents and carers of children and young people with special educational needs. NPPN also fosters links with other local and national organisations. PPS were established to give parents confidential and independent support, and are at ‘arm’s length’ from the local authority and its services. Part of their role is to ensure parents’ and carers’ voices are heard by policy-makers.

Contact a Family
Contact a Family is a national charity that supports families with disabled children with any disability or condition. Resources include a directory of disability and rare conditions, campaigning, advice for professionals, Connected magazine and a free helpline 0808 808 3555. Free online booklet Preparing for adult life and transition

Joseph Rowntree Foundation
Find social policy research and development charity the Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s report on transitions for those with multiple and profound disabilities (as well as other research on issues affecting disabled young people) free online at JRF

Leonard Cheshire Disability
Leonard Cheshire Disability offers transitions options for young people, across the country.

SCIE
Research from the Social Care Institute for Excellence on transitions for young people with physical disabilities and/or chronic illness including muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy.