Art, drama, dance, music, any other educational/play activities out there?

[tallwivglasses]

I posted this on my local mumsnet, but don't hold out much hope because it seems to get very few posts...

Anyway, this is my OP:

'I have an 11 year old son [ASD, LD, ADHD] and I found it very frustrating over the summer that so many children's activities on offer [libraries, arts, museums, etc] were totally unsuitable/innappropriate for a lot of disabled kids.

I've had enough! I pay taxes [admittedly, not much because I'm poor] for local kids to access a range of fantastic activities, and quite rightly so...but where do those with multiple and complex needs fit in?

Is there anything out there?
Have you found an activity where your child's needs are met?
Any horror stories? [I could tell you a few...]

Fancy doing something about it?'

I'm harking back to a really funny thread on here at the start of the holidays - totally unsuitable places you've taken/would take dc's to [wish I could remember the ref. It was the start of me loving mn]
But the serious side is that actually, there really is fuck all mainstream, 'in the community' events where my son can take part and be welcomed!

I'm in the North East - but would be really interested in hearing about good [and bad] experiences all over.

I rather like the idea of a 'mystery shopper' -type approach. Anyone up for it?

[I do hope so. I'm sick of local bigwigs patting themselves on the back for thinking they're being so successfully inclusive GRRRR!]

What does bump and reset mean? Just done it anyway.

Ds is in Respite....and I'm still up because I've slept all day, it was bliss.

I'm still hoping for more ideas? Stories? Good/bad experiences...

tallwivglasses - I haven't had an email from you, did you send one? Happy to add you to my contact list for activities if you're interested.

I'm in Herts and there is an inclusive performing arts group that I've just contacted but can't remember their name.sorry. Will try and dig it out. this one www.artsbase.org.uk/dancebase.php also looks interesting.

I've just posted a thread about surfing for children with LD's

oh I'm not sure it's inclusive in the way you mean, but I tend to think for ds1 to be included in every day events those events need to be exclusive iyswim.

The point of the surfing though is to get everyone involved so that the kids can start surfing all the time. I'm trying to organise lessons for dh and me with a view to having a go at other times as well.

Just booked ds1 up for another session in October :)

I don't know how I missed the last few posts, thought it had died (- a lot of mn still remains a mystery to me) but thanks, I really appreciate people taking the time.

So it's late but I'm owed a lie-in in the morning...

Streaky - thanks, you're on my List of Things To Do (delayed by sleep deprivation, then respite - sleep/work/cleaning catch-up)Will email when I've finished here x

Ohmeohmy (great name!) Cheers! I look forward to perusing.

Saintly - Oh wow. Will definitely look into this. Ds loves swimming. His teacher said he was best in the class (when it looked like he was never going to be best at anything, ever...)

And I understand what people are saying about the inclusive/exclusive thing. That's why I'm trying to set up something that considers the needs of disabled children first and foremost, but that all kids can enjoy.

For example it would be unfair to, say, a bunch of youth theatre kids if I suddenly unleashed ds onto them and expected them to include him (it would also be pretty much a waste of time for ds...)

I just think there's room for a bit of both - the specialised stuff and the mainstream stuff.

I'm going to a meeting tomorrow (pilot individual budgets thing)that is apparently going to address some of these issues. I think they're sick of me banging on about it to be honest - because while they're doing some Good Things (like a series of music sessions, resulting in a performance and accessing mainstream groups )they're not really addressing inclusion for kids with multiple and complex needs (I'm incuding physically disabled kids here, aswell as ASD, etc)

Still not heard back from the art gallery...

Anyway Thanks, all. Streaky, emailing you now!

Haven't received it, tallwivglasses. Perhaps try a pm?

tallwivglasses- yes my view is that you need specialist stuff- at least initially. My son is severely autistic with SLD's but after 5 years of specialist access I can now take him to a regular riding stables (I take him with his brother - and they have a semi private lesson).

The surfing seems to be set up with similar ideas in mind. So the big one day event are for kids to just have a go and enjoy experiencing surfing, but the subsidised and free sessions at the surf school aim to really open surfing to kids with disabilities - partly by getting parents and other family members involved as well. I would never ever have remotely thought about taking ds1 or that it could be something he could enjoy regularly given the complexity of his needs but we're now thinking about getting to grips with it ourselves so we can go regularly with him. That's what I love about the surf sessions - complexity and severity doesn't seem to be a problem. They just deal with it.

oh and siblings can have a go at the one day events as well (and of course siblings can ride at the donkeys etc as well).

An update - the meeting was really positive - Lots of issues are starting to be addressed.

A mum said her ds loves books but going to the library was a no-no until she met a librarian who also works with an autistic child. Because she's tuned-in, and can explain to other workers, etc, they can now enjoy times at the library.

Health and safety: What if your dc won't wear a helmet for riding? What if they're not allowed to venture out of their depth in the swimming pool, even with two carers, even if that's the only way they'll learn to swim? (and they can't provide an experienced swimming instructer)

Being followed round a gallery by a security guard, who's panicking because a child has a fascination with the rope-barrier things.

A 15 year old boy loving trampolining but not being able to cope with the waiting and all the other distractions around.

And just generally - attitude: That tangible bristling you sense from people as soon as you walk in the door.

It'll take time but I really think things are starting to happen. It's on the agenda at least - and I think there's enough good people to start putting the words into action.

Anyway.
Streaky, thanks - I look forward to meeting you.

And Saintly - oh wow! We'll be surfing next year!
(I've been checking out Horseboy Camps too. Anyone had any experience?)

And everyone else - Thank you. Please tell me your stories x

We didnt go out much over summer as we struggled to find suitable activities, we did go to the museum but many places are to busy/loud for DD (ASD) and Ds is only 1.

We enjoy the Winter Garden and Interractive Gallery. They recently had a huge wall of projected colours and when you moved infront of it you changed the colour and left a shadow print. DD loved it but took ownership so was reluctant to let other DCs play.

I also got information from our local information giving network, next door to assesment clinic, they gave me forms for 'SNIPS', Special needs Incusion Playcare Service'. They will provide a carer/babysit other siblings/approach MS activities to allow your DCs to join in. Can be dance, sports, anything really. I havent tried it yet but Im signing up.

Im hoping to find more for next summer as this year was hard work. We struggle with waiting for things but I intend to get permission to jump the ques, once we have DX report (proof of SN). We also struggle going to public toilets, two DCs, a pram, a fear of hand dryers...but I also heard I can get a key from the local council for disabled toilets.

It would help if we knew any SN parents in the area.

Hi woolytree, and thanks.
The Interractive Gallery sounds fabulous. I understand the 'ownership' thing though.
Okay, some shared activities are good for social skills, but wouldn't it have been great for your dd if they'd found a way around that? Maybe opened half an hour earlier or later just for her? (with a creche for your other dc's and a massage for you...) I dunno, just a thought.

Of course a huge issue is how our dc's are on the day. You could have the perfect activity, amazing support, easy transport, etc, but if ds is having an 'off' day nothing's going to work!

The SNIPS service looks promising. I'd be interested to hear how you get on with them. It sounds pretty well thought-out.

'this year was hard work' - poor you, it will get easier. It does help knowing other sn parents. There's a list somewhere on here that'll tell you about mumsnet mums in your area.

Have you tried contact-a-family? and your local council will have a children with disabilities team that should know about activities, parents' support groups, etc. Good luck!

Thanks again to everyone who's posted (and lurked??) xxx

pagforspecialplay

it's only a local thing, but runs all sorts of activities - dance, drama, drum workshops, circus skills, all sorts of things - for all children and youth with all disabilities. all run on a voluntary basis with 1-1 support as necessary. oh, and sponsors a special performance of the local pantomime where only families of children with disabilities are allowed, at enormously reduced prices - always sold out the crew alter the performance accordingly (for example, the wizard of oz tornado thingy was toned down and the flickering lights removed...)

you can set up your own parent action group - tis easy. and then get stuck in - the council frequently call and ask for representation on all of the local policy/ decision committees/ access groups etc.

there is no limit on what a small group of focused individuals can achieve.

there's also 'challengers' in guildford and farnham.

and special kids in the uk run meet-ups in all sorts of places (zoos etc) and a fab summer camp.

Thanks Nick. Looks like I've got quite a bit of googling to do! It's heartening to see there's pockets of really good stuff happening all over the country.

After all this info I don't feel quite so isolated in trying to set up something in my neck of the woods.