Training and Careers

Training for People with Special Needs

What are special needs?

A person has special needs when they have:

A physical disability
A problem with sight, hearing or speech
A mental disability
Emotional or behavioural problems
A medical or health problem
Difficulties with reading, writing, speaking or mathematics work

Special needs and education

In September 2002 the Disability Discrimination Act Part IV came into effect making it illegal for disabled children and students in education to be less favourably treated.

Providers of education have to make sure where reasonably possible that disabled learners are no longer disadvantaged. The law covers all areas of education such as schools, colleges, universities, adult education and youth services.

Literature and advice for disabled people, parents and others is available free from the Disability Rights Commission.

Tel: 0845 762 2633

Fax: 0845 762 2644

Email: enquiry@drc-gb.org|

Children and young people

If you are caring for a child or young person with special educational needs, you can get help from our Children's Services Department.

Adults

There are a number of places where adults with special needs can get education and training:

Osbourne Partnership|

Osborne works in partnership with Barking and Dagenham to provide a range of services purely for adults with special needs. Employment opportunities, work based training (such as the Green team, a gardening project) as well as craft activities.

Age Concern|

Age Concern offer recreation and educational courses for the Carer and person being cared for subject to the Carer being aged 55 or over. The range of activities includes: Computer classes, Gentle keep fit, Relaxation, Art and Crafts, Debating groups and Gardening.

For more information on these services locally please contact 020 8270 4956 or email enquiries@ageconcernbd.org.uk.

Barking and Dagenham Training Services|

Our training services offers work based learning programmes to young people between the ages of 16 and 24.

Learn Direct|

Learn Direct Advice is the free and confidential telephone helpline and website for adults looking for impartial information and advice on courses and careers.

Learning and Skills Council|

The Learning and Skills Council exists to make England better skilled and more competitive. They are responsible for planning and funding high-quality vocational education and training for everyone.

Rethink Employment Service|

Help and support finding employment for those with severe mental illness. Self, Community Mental Health Team, GP and New Deal referrals.

513 Gale Street, Dagenham, RM9 4TP

Tel: 020 8517 8148

Fax: 020 8517 8170

Email: bdemploy@rethink.org|

Welfare to Work for Disabled People

This project is delivered by the Disablement Association of Barking and Dagenham. It provides a range of services to help disabled people back into work, including work placements, training and help with application forms.

For further information telephone 020 8709 0850 or email welfaretowork@btconnect.com.

Other useful contacts

Department for Children, Schools and Families|

This is a government education site providing information on any area of learning for both young people and adults.