JIGSAW Staffordshire, 2007
Jigsaw provide valluable input to Conservative party fringe event
TreeHouse, Scope and Working Families hosted fringe events at the Liberal Democrat, Labour and Conservative Party Conferences this autumn. The theme of the events was ‘Making Work, Work’, and focused on tackling the barriers that prevent parents of children with disabilities from working.
Machita Denny, parent and group leader of the Staffordshire - based JIGSAW group, was one of three speakers on the panel for the Conservative Party fringe event, held in Blackpool on the 29th September. The panel was chaired by Andrew Sparrow (former political editor of the telegraph), with Sarah Jackson (CEO of Working Families), and Mark Harper MP (Shadow Minister for Disabled People).
Machita spoke movingly on how having a child with a disability has affected her ability to work, and her experiences whilst in work. The audience at the fringe were taken through Machita’s personal journey, hearing about the daily struggle and time constraints a parent of a child with a disability often faces, and why sometimes work simply isn’t a viable option.
Machita said of the event
‘I was delighted to be asked to present a parent’s point of view regarding the difficulties we encounter when trying to hold down a job and care for our disabled children. It was a pleasure to meet many other people who understood these difficulties and were campaigning to improve the quality of life for children and families in these situations.
The impact recounting a personal experience can have on policy makers is immeasurable. I felt as though my presentation really hit home with Mark Harper, Shadow Minister for Disabled People and that he recognised what it is like negotiating the many obstacles that get in our way on a daily basis’
Jigsaw meeting with Children and Lifelong Learning Directorate and Additional Needs Service marks an important step
Jigsaw met with Peter Traves, Corporate Director of Children and Lifelong Learning Directorate and Andrew Worrall, Head of Additional Needs Service, on 13 June 07. Jigsaw discussed current educational provision in Staffordshire, in relation to children and young people with Autism. Machita Denny the lead parent for Jigsaw said:
We are told by many, of the traumas and daily stresses their children endure whilst at school. We are also told of some excellent practice and individual care shown to many other children. The inequality of educational provision for children and young people with Autism is astounding. The effect these anomalies have on the families is also extensive.
Jigsaw welcomed the opportunity to meet with Peter Traves and Andrew Worrall to discuss a way forward, and to really improve the educational experience of children and young people with Autism in Staffordshire. Liz Osman, from the TreeHouse Parent Support Project accompanied Jigsaw members to the meeting. For further information regarding Jisaw please email Machita Denny.
Please follow this link for the full Jigsaw TreeHouse Parent Support Project Update May 2007
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