Barbara Ball and Karen Walkden have been contracted by Ealing Council to consult with disabled children, young people, and their families about their needs and wants. The results will inform a draft strategy for the borough. Karen has over 25 years of experience in various roles related to disability services. She will visit a school in September/October to speak with pupils and will run groups for parents and carers to gather feedback and discuss issues. The goal is to give every parent and carer a voice to help shape the council's disabled children's strategy.

1.
Consultation with disabled children, young people
and their families in support of the development of
Ealing Council’s Disabled Children’s strategy
We thought it might be helpful if you
had a little more information about
Karen’s background before you meet
her.
Karen is a chartered occupational
psychologist who has practiced for
over 25 years in business, charity and
local authority settings.
Recent relevant experience includes:
 Consultations with parents of
disabled children and their
families to determine their
short break needs.
 3 years working for an inclusive
play charity.
 Director of Barnet Mencap.
 Membership of a local Parent
Partnership Advisory Group.
Barbara Ball and Karen Walkden are  A mapping assignment to
independent consultants who have identify organizations working
been contracted by Ealing Council to with disabled children and
talk to disabled children, young people young people – and to
and their families about their needs highlight gaps in services.
and wants. The results of these  Development of a siblings
discussions will feed into a draft group for brothers and sisters
strategy for the borough. of disabled children.
 Delivery of workshops on
Karen will be visiting the school during personalisation for voluntary
September/October 2010 to talk to sector organizations.
one or more groups of pupils. She  A local authority Childrens
and Barbara will also be running Service assignment to examine
groups for parents and carers ‐ to the ways in which parents are
feedback the findings so far, and involved in shaping services.
explore the issues arising. Please do  Chair of an inclusive scout
encourage families to attend these group.
events – we need to give every parent  Parent of a teenager with an
and carer a voice. ASC.
www.flourishing.me.uk
karen@flourishing.me.uk
07941 203564