Professional Development
Down’s Syndrome Oxford
Down’s Syndrome Oxford is a charity organised and funded by volunteer parents and supporters to provide information, support and activities for children and adults with Down’s Syndrome and their families living in Oxfordshire.
The members include parents, grandparents, friends, teachers, teaching assistants, therapists, medical professionals – anyone with a passion for supporting people with Down’s Syndrome.
All the funds DSO receives are generated by fundraising efforts by members and the generosity of their supporters. There is no membership fee and most activities are free, although they may ask for a small contribution at some events.
Website: www.dsoxford.org.uk
SMILE – Sensory Musical Interactive Learning Experience
SMILE sessions provide a space for interaction and communication in a fun way, using smell, touch, taste, sound and sight. It is primarily for adults with complex needs, learning difficulty and autism using a total communication approach but the model can easily be adapted and is also used with children.
SMILE has been running since 2002, originating at Redlands, North Cherwell Day Service. It was set up by Celia Chasey whilst employed by OCC. She now runs SMILE independently providing a package which includes training staff to run sessions in their own venue, in day centres and residential homes.
She also runs sessions for children as part of a holiday scheme or she can tailor sessions to suit individual needs.
SMILE sessions can be visited at Redlands Daytime Support, Banbury - please contact Jayne England, Day Service Worker on 01295 263594.
Website: www.oxtc.co.uk/SMILE.shtml
Contact Name: Celia Chasey
Phone Number: 07904722620
Email: [email protected]
Oxfordshire Association of Care Providers
OACP is a membership organisation for all adult social care providers in Oxfordshire. We offer training and support, lobbying for better funding, and act as a voice for the sector in the County.
Website: www.oacp.org.uk
Contact Name: Eddy McDowall
Phone Number: 01491822604
Email: [email protected]
Address: Stables 4, Howbery Park, Benson Lane, Crowmarsh Gifford, Wallingford OX10 8BA
Autism Family Support Oxfordshire
Autism Family Support Oxfordshire provides:
- Support and Information for parents
- Activities and workshops for children & young people on the autism spectrum, including youth groups in Oxford and Abingdon
- Information, training, and consultation with professionals, including joint working and development
Website: www.afso.org.uk
Phone: 01844 338696
Email: See their Contact Us page
Address: Thomley Hall Centre, Menmarsh Road, Worminghall, HP18 9JZ
Oxfordshire Family Support Network
The Oxfordshire Family Support Network is run by and for family carers of people with learning disabilities (both children and adults). It was set up in 2007 by family carers who wanted to use their experience to help others in the same situation, based on their belief that family carers are experts by experience.
They provide independent information, advice and support to family carers of people of all ages with learning disabilities.
They also provide information, advice and training to professionals involved with people with learning disabilities.
Website: http://www.oxfsn.org.uk/
Phone: 07596 784 947
Email: [email protected]
Address: The Charter, Abingdon, OX14
My Life My Choice
My Life My Choice is a self-advocacy charity run by and for people with learning disabilities. They offer a huge range of services, such as local groups, a travel buddy scheme, training for professionals by people with learning disabilities, a nightclub, a radio station, and an easy-read service - find out more on their webpage!
Website: http://mylifemychoice.org.uk/
Phone: 01865 204214
Address: The Jam Factory, 27 Park End Street, Oxford, Oxford OX1 1HU