The Family Network Weblog

Transition - all systems go!

2010-02-04T14:52:00.006+13:00

Oh how things have changed!
As a result of this process -and thanks to all those who were involved in the consultation - 'The Dunedin Transition Service' is now up and running! It just goes to show what a group of motivated people can do. Huge thanks to all involved but special thanks to Patrick Crowley from the Ministry of Education, Special Education and his team. Without his absolute determination and commitment to young adults and their families, I suspect this would have taken a lot longer to get underway.
If you would like to make contact with the Transition Service ring Ian Craven, Manager - Phone 03 4677938. If you would like more information about the service go to our Education page.

It was great to be part of a process that has had such a positive outcome for our community.

If you have a young adult who has left school -how are things going for you? Lets share what is happening for young people, what are they doing, what are the gaps? Others may learn from your experience.

Its a New Year!

2010-02-04T14:26:00.003+13:00

Hi there everyone -welcome back for 2010.
Hope you all managed to find some peace and time for yourself over the holiday period - although the weather didn't exactly help!
No doubt many of you will be focused on settling children into new settings - might be early childhood, new classes, new schools and for some it will be adjusting to new routines away from school -probably the biggest adjustment of all.
Hope all is going well - I know there are often speed bumps, but my advice is get into your routines as quickly as you can and things will settle. Let us know how its all going for you and yours - your experience may help others.

Talking about a new year - I promise to face my anxieties with all things technical and get the hang of using this forum. I'll need your help cos I can't post to myself all year -well I could, but it wouldn't be pretty!
We have some meaty issues to deal with this year as a community so we'll need to be in touch with each other -but more about that soon.
Claire

Transition meeting follow-up

2009-03-10T12:24:00.008+13:00

What a wonderful response to the Transition from school consultation meetings held over the last couple of weeks. Thank you so much to all who were able to come to one of the three meetings on offer.
As always, the power of the parent voice and experience was undeniable – you guys were great! Now it’s up to the steering group to make sure something concrete happens and the sooner the better!
For those who were unable to come but still have an interest please let me know so we can keep you "in the loop" with information as we move forward.

I'd welcome any feedback - thoughts you may have about how the meeting was for you, maybe something has come to mind that wasn't covered at the time.
Lets use this forum as a way of strengthening the links made and reinforced at the meetings.
Its your forum - feel free to visit and or contribute as its suits you.

Creating Successful Transitions

2009-02-16T19:54:00.005+13:00

Creating Successful Transitions - A Dunedin Focus

Part 1

Part 2

Welcome

2008-07-10T16:11:00.000+12:00

Welcome to The Family Network's blog.

Our Mission

The Family Network includes parents and professionals working in partnership to support families of children and with disabilities or special needs through advocacy, sharing information and networking.

Statement of Belief

All families with children with specials needs have the right to full participation in all aspects of community life.

Aims

To provide families of children with special needs with all the information required to make informed decisions about their unique needs.
To enable families of children with special needs to choose a satisfying lifestyle in accord with their cultural and social preferences.
To educate the community to actively support the inclusion of all families of children with special needs in every aspect of community life.