Our vision and Mission

That young people with SEN and Disabilities have equal life chances as they move into adulthood. For example: paid employment, housing, independent living, choice and control, community inclusion, friends and relationships.

If we were successful we would see the following,

• Services that have a statutory responsibility would focus on how they can support people to have equal life chances
• Mainstream agencies would be more inclusive and engaged
• People and their families would be centrally engaged in the process
• Local authorities would be able to evidence positive outcomes for young people.

In December 2011 we held a held a good practice workshop to pull together learning from previous programmes, projects and initiatives.

On the day we agreed ten key messages setting out what needs to happen in local areas to ensure that disabled young people lead full lives.

The ten key messages are written below and they have been made into a poster, which you can download for free on the right.

1. Develop a shared vision across all partners, with families and young people at its heart and focus on improving life chances.
2. Raise aspirations for a fulfilling adult life, by sharing clear information about what has already worked for others.
3. Develop information with families and young people themselves.
4. Invest in family and young people leadership.
5. Think inclusion and keep focused on life outcomes.
6. Use person-centred planning and reviews to inform support planning and ensure individual budgets lead to life outcomes for young people.
7. Develop personalised curriculums so that children learn what they need for adulthood.
8. Stimulate the post-16 market so that young people get a job and get a full life.
9. Set an example by employing young disabled people.
10. Ensure that the experience of young people and their families inform strategic planning and commissioning by using approaches such as Working Together for Change.