Down's Syndrome Scotland E-bulletin
February 2017
In This Issue
Live Hour 
This month's Live Hour will be on Tuesday 21st February with from 12 - 1pm. Be sure to have your questions at the ready! 
Lots of Socks Official Socks 
Pre-order your Official Lots of Socks socks today! Visit
www.dsscotland.org.uk/browse 
to buy yours. 
Quick Links
Our Website 
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Find us on Pinterest  Pinterest 
Dear ChipPlus,

It's coming up to our busiest time of the year here at Down's Syndrome Scotland and there's a great buzz in the air. You have all received our Awareness Week email last week outlining our plans and we also have a big awareness campaign launching in time for Awareness Week too!  We are only a few weeks away too from our Forever 21 Ball that is shaping up to be a great night.
 
The Family Support Service are busy at the moment preparing their new workshops both for parents and professionals. More information on these can be found below with a link to book online. 

Wishing all our members and supporters a very Happy Valentine's Day.
 
Best wishes,

Claire 
Parental Workshops- New Dates Launched 
There are new dates for parental workshops this session. The Family Support Service team are delivering a range of workshops on Positive Behaviour Support, Early Years Transitions and Supporting your Child through Puberty. Details of these workshops and the booking form can be found on our website
Professional Training Courses 
We are running a new set of training courses for professionals. 
 
These courses are aimed at helping education staff, play staff, health professionals, health students and carers meet the additional support needs of children, young people and adults with Down's syndrome. 

We also offer bespoke training and individual school consultation visits if you feel your child's school would benefit from training on a specific area. 

These can be booked online or by phone. Visit our website for more information on each of these courses. 
Euan's Guide 
Euan's Guide is an online resource which contains reviews of local attractions based on their accessibility.  

The site aims to 'remove the fear of the unknown'  when visiting new places and provides a vast range of reviews of tourist attractions, cafes, restaurants, shops and much more. 
To see it for yourself visit www.euansguide.com. 
'My Perspective' Photography Competition

Down's Syndrome Association are running their annual photography competition. The competition invites entries from people with Down's syndrome from around the world. The deadline for the competition is Friday 28 April 2017.  For more information visit the DSA's website

Policy 
Update: Blue Badge Pilot Scheme
 
We have been informed by Transport Scotland that the Blue Badge pilot scheme which started last April is going to be extended for about 6 months. From April 2017, local authorities will also have discretion to issue a Blue Badge for a period of between one year and three years under the scheme.
As a result of the extension:
  • If you would like to apply for a Blue Badge under the pilot scheme, you can still do so for a few months.
  • If you were awarded a Blue Badge for a year under the pilot scheme and if this comes to an end in the next 6 months, you can re-apply under the same scheme to renew your badge.   
If you would like more information on this scheme please contact Rachel
Fundraising 
Ride the North 

The closing date for Ride the North is 1st March. If you are interested in joining our team email fundraising@dsscotland.org.uk today! 

Ride the North is a two day, 170 mile cycle challenge through the beautiful scenery of the Grampian Highlands in the North of Scotland. It is a non-competitive event which has gained popularity among the cycling community year upon year. 
Montrose Fundraiser

The Angus Branch are holding a Charity night at the Montrose Town Hall on Saturday 4th March. If you would like to purchase a ticket or would like more information email Robyn.
Local News
Highlands and Islands  
ABC Parent Workshop 
Helen Hayes, our Speech and Language Therapist, will be running a three hour Communications workshop at the Spectrum Centre in Inverness. 
 
The session will give interested professionals and parents a chance to ask any communication related questions and meet other parents for a cuppa and a chat. 

When: Wednesday 17th May 2017, 6pm-9pm
 
Where:  Room 5 (please note this room is upstairs and there is no lift available), Spectrum Centre, 1 Margaret Street, Inverness, IV1 1LS
 
Cost: £10 (£5 low income) per person (to cover venue and refreshments)

Please be aware that there are no creche facilities so children are unable to attend this workshop. If you are interested please email Helen

Glasgow 
Paragon Music Events 

Paragon Music are running a new session of dance and music workshops for all ages. Paragon is an inclusive music company inspiring people to create and perform their own music. Their workshops focus on promoting positive self-image, teamwork, communication and learning. Visit their website to find out more about their programmes.  

East Lothian 
Disability Sport & Leisure Consultation 

East Lothian Disability Sport & Leisure Group is carrying out a consultation to identify gaps in the provision of Disability Sport in East Lothian. The group is interested in hearing from disabled children and adults, their parents, carers, support workers and organisations with an interest in this area.

To take part complete the Disability Sport online survey here or you can request a printed version by email at  healthyliving@eastlothian.gov.uk or by phoning 01875 619068
The closing date for this consultation is the 20th February 2017.


Perth & Edinburgh
Post-School Transition: Getting it Right! 

Cairn Legal are running workshops for parents of young people with additional support needs on the legal side of post-school transition. Their workshops are running in Perth (venue to be confirmed) on 21st April from 10 am to 12.30 pm and Edinburgh (venue to be confirmed) 23rd March from 10 am to 12.30 pm.  For more information on these events and to book your place click here

Edinburgh 
Project SEARCH

Project SEARCH provides employment opportunities for young people with a disability. It is a full time, one year programme where people will complete 3 internships and a recognised qualification working at either the City of Edinburgh Council or NHS Lothian.
Applicants must:
  • be between 16 and 24 years old
  • want to secure a full time job (16+ hours)
  • live within the city of Edinburgh 
  • have a recognised disability
  • be able to commit full time for one year 
  • be able to travel alone or learn how to do this.
To find out more about the project, please book a place on one of the following information sessions by calling 0131 529 3139 or email project.search@edinburgh.gov.uk:
Wednesday 22nd or Thursday 23rd February 2017
6-7.30pm, Waverley Court, 4 East Market Street, Edinburgh EH8 8BG
 
Tuesday 21st  February or Thursday 2nd March 2017
6-7.30pm, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XU.

Down's Syndrome Scotland, Riverside House, 502 Gorgie Road, Edinburgh, EH11 3AF Scotland
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