Exchanging ideas and information on inclusion with others on the internet
We asked parents what had been the most useful resources in helping them decide about early years provision:
Other parents of children with a variety of special needs – mostly ‘met’ on the internet!
- Angela, a mum
I think that this forum is really good for getting support and advice on things, it's always easier to chat to parents who really do know what it's like, rather than the ‘Ooh, I can imagine’ type…
The following is a selection of forums parents said they found useful. The list below could grow with your input. So far we have:
- http://board.hemihelp.org.uk/
- www.ivillage.co.uk - parenting boards, special needs
- www.bbc.co.uk/ouch
- www.ukparents.co.uk and click on forum
- http://specialchildren.about.com/
- http://groups.yahoo.com/group/specialkidsintheuk/
There are a range of condition-specific forums. These are just examples:
- www.epilepsy.org.uk/connect/index.html - you need to register offline to post
- http://unix.foden.co.uk/cgibin/wssgsn/list.cgi - infantile spasms
- www.epilepsyfoundation.org/efforums/forum/categories.cfm?catid=2
- www.kidsepilepsy.com
- www.rnib.org.uk/phorum/read.php?f=5&i=67&t=67
And some aimed at professionals:
- http://inclusion.ngfl.gov.uk/index.php?i=203 There is a whole section on this website linking to other forums
- www.tagteacher.net/grapevine/index.htm
- www.utilityspace.com/earlyeducation/YaBB.pl
It is worth remembering that these noticeboards, forums and discussion rooms are public places. Do not give information that identifies you and keep your user name and password secure at all times.
Do not forget that all the opinions expressed belong to their authors and while they may be a good source of advice, the authors may or may not be right.
A mention of any web link does not constitute endorsement by Scope.