Tuesday 24 January 2012
Training days to support schools
Many of the conditions that the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign supports are rare or very rare, so it could be that professionals working in schools might not be aware of them at all. With this in mind, we are pleased to announce that we'll be hosting a series of School Training Days for professionals either working in education or with schools, who support children with muscular dystrophy or related neuromuscular conditions.
The workshops will be will be led by Janet Hoskin and supported by a Regional Care Advisor and a member of staff from the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign. They will be held on the following days:
North West, Liverpool - Tuesday 6 March 2012
South West, Exeter - Tuesday 13 March 2012
Yorkshire and Humberside, Leeds - Tuesday 15 May 2012
East Midlands, Loughborough - Tuesday 22 May 2012
Janet is the brains behind the award-winning 'Include Duchenne' education project, the first project to explore the learning and behaviour of boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Although her work is focused on Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Janet has adapted the workshop to make it relevant for all muscular dystrophies and related neuromuscular conditions.
Janet commented:
It's extremely important that schools and professionals are aware of the difficulties that often face young people with muscular dystrophy. It's not just about wheelchair access; many of these young people have problems that are intrinsic to their condition, such as reading difficulties, behaviour and social and communication needs. The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign's School Training days will give professionals a chance to explore these issues and discuss the best ways to plan intervention.
The day will encompass key areas that education professionals may face when ensuring that a pupil with a neuromuscular condition receives a full and holistic education. Included will be a definition of muscular dystrophy, behavioural and learning difficulties associated with neuromuscular conditions, solutions to these problems and how best to work with families.
Lyn Inman, Director of Education, said:
Schools need educating on how best to educate and support children and young people with muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular conditions. The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign's School Training Days will give teachers and other educational professionals the opportunity to learn about these conditions and the best strategies to ensure that pupils with these conditions are receiving a fulfilling and holistic education.
The need for further training and development was backed by results in our recent education survey among education professionals, which showed that a staggering 84 percent of respondents would find development days highly beneficial.
If you would like to learn more about our School Training Days, or book your place, please contact Lyn Inman at lyni@muscular-dystrophy.org
