>> Supporting parents of children with LDD >> How you can help

You might not believe it but parents and carers are the most important influence on young people’s career decisions.

You can help by:

• listening where possible, let them tell you what they are thinking even if at first it doesn't seem very realistic. They need to be allowed to explore different ideas and see what is possible
• talking little and often rather than in long sessions. You can always ask for more help from your son or daughter’s PA but be encouraging from the start
• keeping in touch with school staff to stay up to date with their progress and work with staff to ensure you are aware of the best way to help and give encouragement
• attending Annual Reviews of Statement, especially in Y9 (Transition Review) and in Y11 and beyond. Going along to Options events and Parents Evenings where they are offered at your child’s school. This will give you the opportunity to talk to teachers and advisers. They can give you information about what is on offer
• finding out about the options available to your child, some routes will offer more specialist support than others. It may be possible to put in place the support your child needs to succeed in their choice
• considering the pros and cons of each option at 16, 18 and 19+ as this will help you and your son or daughter identify which route seems best for them

Help them to find out more:

	Education and learning for disabled people
	Disabled Student Allowance and other financial help
	Learner bursary Please note: this replaced EMA in January 2011 and offers 'targeted support' (52.9kb Adobe Acrobat PDF)
	You can contact the Learner Support Helpline on 0800 121 8989
	Student finance for higher education from Student Finance England
	You contact Student Finance England on 0845 800 5090 or Minicom: 0845 604 44 34
	SKILL - National Bureau for Students with Disabilities
	Into Higher Education is published annually by SKILL, looks at choosing the right course, applying to higher education, financial help, student support and postgraduate study, all with the needs of a student with disabilities in mind Available in our centres
	Directgov - supporting your child's learning
	Benefits and other help:
	Benefit Advice Service in Kirklees benefit.adviceservice@kirklees.gov.uk or in South Kirklees on 01484 223950 or in North Kirklees on 01924 326010
	Calderdale DART (Disabled Advice Resource Team) calderdaledart@hotmail.co.uk on 01422 346040/950
	National Disability Benefits Enquiry Line on 0800 88 22 00
	Disabled people support links