Fledglings News - Issue 1

Welcome!

Welcome to the first issue of Fledglings News. It will provide an opportunity for sharing information and ideas about products that enhance the lives of disabled children and their families. We hope you enjoy reading it and we look forward to receiving your comments.

About Fledglings

Fledglings is an independent not-for-profit organisation founded in 1998, which is staffed entirely by volunteers. It was established to provide families caring for a child with special needs, and their related support workers, with information about and easy access to helpful products.

We do not advertise the Fledglings service directly, for reasons of cost. Knowledge about Fledglings has spread through articles in support group newsletters, by word of mouth from existing customers and professionals, and through being featured in the local and national press.

Thank you to everyone who has supported Fledglings so far and to all who have written or phoned to thank us for our efforts - these expressions of thanks and support are invaluable.

Can You Help?

• Could you recommend any good disposable pull-up nappies or trainer pants for bigger children?
• Do you know of a game-boy or computer game with adjustable timer settings for a boy whose reactions are slowed due to medication?
• Could you recommend a high quality two-way listening monitor for children who need to be reassured when at a distance from their carers?

Open Days

We will be holding two Open Days on Thursday 8th November and Wednesday 5th December from 10:00 until 16:00. See the back page for more details.

The “Thudguard” - An interesting new product needing to be tested

After her little daughter had a serious fall, Kelly Forsyth-Gibson invented this cute hat to protect children from head injuries. It may also have the potential to help children with a variety of special needs. It has received the support of safety organisations and doctors, including the British Association for Accident and Emergency Medicine.

Kelly is now looking for families of young children with special needs willing to co-operate in trial testing. She would also be interested to know if there is a need for such a hat for older children with special needs. Kelly can be contacted on 01224 325719, or by email at [kelly at thudguard dot co dot uk].

The “Thudguard”

Why Was Fledglings Established?

We had long realised that many families whose children have special needs have difficulty finding adequate information about suitable products. Faced with the consequent lack of choice, parents and others often found themselves buying inappropriate, second best, or unnecessarily expensive items, sometimes after time-consuming and frustrating searches.

In addition, although there are many useful yet inexpensive items on the market, they have previously been difficult for families to obtain as most suppliers do not deal with individual customers.

Fledglings was established to address these issues.

What Does Fledglings Do?

• We provide information about available products to families or other carers.
• We give talks and product demonstrations to interested parent and support groups.
• We seek out attractive, child-friendly products, including those which would encourage development in any child.
• We maintain up-to-date information on special needs products and suppliers, gathering information from catalogues, exhibitions, the internet, and from families themselves.
• We supply products at competitive prices and obtain feedback from families.
• We maintain a stock of good 'value for money' products for which there is a demand.
• We talk to companies about general and specific customer needs and, where possible, become involved in product planning and development.
• We advise on possible sources of funding, and also direct families to other sources of support both locally and nationally.

What Have We Achieved So Far?

• We have handled well over 1,000 enquiries from families and support workers, and have been able to supply helpful products, either directly or indirectly, to over 500 families. Although we initially focused on families in the Cambridgeshire area, we are now contacted from all over the UK.
• We have built up a library of information on around 300 suppliers, of which we have active arrangements with about 100.
• We have attended over 50 meetings of special needs groups, to talk about our service, exhibit helpful products, and collect feedback from parents and others.

Venues attended include:

• Shared Care UK Annual Conference, Leicester
• PATOSS Annual Meeting, Cambridge
• Dartford and Gravesham Parents' Consortium, Kent
• Hemi-Help Annual Meeting, London
• Hyleford Special School, Ilford
• Scope, Bury St Edmunds
• Gamlingay Toy Library, Cambridgeshire
• SSAFA (Forces Families) Annual Conference, London
• Rye Park Nursery School, Hoddesden, Hertfordshire
• NCH Action for Children, Haverhill, Suffolk
• Anglia Polytechnic University, Cambridge

About The Newsletter

We have been very fortunate to receive a grant of £2,000 from the Community Champions Fund of COVER, the Community and Voluntary Forum for the Eastern Region, to produce this newsletter during the coming year. We are planning to produce a second issue in the New Year, and a further issue after Easter. The circulation of this initial issue will be around 1000 copies.

In future issues we hope to include lots of contributions from parents, so please let us know if you would like to help in this way.

Products Available Through Fledglings

In the next four pages, arranged by product category, we mention some specific special needs products about which we have had good feedback, or which we believe are otherwise noteworthy. All prices quoted are correct at time of going to press, and postage (at cost) is extra unless otherwise mentioned. Should you wish to order any of these products, please do not send money with the order as we invoice with delivery.

Please note that because our aim is to provide people with the products they need, not to sell a particular range of products, we do not have a catalogue. Feel free to call, email or write to us for further information about products in any of these categories, and to discuss your individual needs.

Developmental Toys and Learning Resources

Fledglings concentrates on trying to find suppliers of good quality toys and educational games that will not break the bank but which will be likely to help children with special needs both to have fun and to make progress.

Discovery Cube is a soft cube with sides in different black/white designs, and with four soft handles in bright primary colours, each one in a different texture. The cube contains a soft ball with a rattle inside, which can be removed and played with separately. Children who are unable to extend their fingers easily can put a fist into the cube and wave it about, activating another rattle in the cube. Excellent for those with visual impairment and limited dexterity, but fun and attractive too. Price £11.99.

Discovery Cube

Spell-Magic is a tactile, fun-to-use, hands-on alphabet learning and spelling system. It includes a fold-out alphabet board, 36 stick-on letters (blue for consonants, red for vowels) and a plain board on which a child can practise making words. Price £12. Extra packs of letters can be purchased separately. Number-Magic works on the same principle, using numbers and symbols. Price £10. Or buy both together for £20.

Musical Piano Tiles is one of the best value-for-money toys we have come across that is suitable for a wide age range and ability level. We supplied this to the Hoddesdon Starfish group and saw this excellent toy in action on our next visit. It was in constant use, with very active young children stepping or running on to the keyboard so as to produce new notes and tunes. The organisers like it because it can be packed away and transported very easily at the end of each session. Price £29.45 + £7.50 p&p.

Musical Piano Tiles (actual size 1m × 1m approx.)

Maggie Bedford of Hove, whose daughter is older and has cerebral palsy, writes:

“What a great find, Fledglings! Chloe just loves her new musical keyboard. It's colourful, big and so adaptable. As it covers a good floor space Chloe lies on it and as she moves her head so it plays various notes and/or tunes. She realises her movement does this so it encourages her to move more. It's brilliant.”

A new range of inexpensive Picture Cards, as used widely to help children with autism, is now available. Each of the 8 packs, containing 36 pictures and 4 instruction cards, covers a different topic, including Everyday Objects, “What's Wrong?” Funny Pictures, and Opposites. At £6.99 per pack, they are far more affordable for home use than the larger Color Cards designed for professionals, although these are also available if required.

Sensory Development Aids

We have a wide and constantly changing range of items which can be used to stimulate the development of sight, hearing, touch and smell. The following two products have been popular with Fledglings' customers for the past three years.

The Lavender Wheat Teddy, exclusively distributed by Fledglings, is a small teddy made from the purest natural materials - cotton velvet and Arran wool - and stuffed with wheat grains and lavender. It can be warmed in the microwave or cooled in the freezer. Originally obtained to help sufferers of chronic juvenile arthritis because of its ability to relieve painful joints, it has also become popular for sensory development and as a bedtime comforter. Price £11.50.

Chrissie Campbell of Norwich recently purchased one for her daughter, Isla-Rose, who has problems with temperature control and sleeping. She says:

“Recently I have used it in her bed to keep her warm and it has worked beautifully. She has spent two whole nights in her own bed - the teddy seems to keep warm for ages and the aroma is lovely.”

Lavender Wheat Teddies

The Crystal Flashing Ball (price £2.99) produces a red flashing light whenever it is shaken or thrown. It is particularly effective if held near an adult's face when trying to encourage eye contact, but should only be used under supervision with very young children.

A new but related product is the Transparent Water Ball. This can be opened and securely resealed, allowing a variety of objects and/or liquids to be placed safely inside to stimulate your child's interest. The transparent ball is large enough to contain the flashing ball described above, making it safe from little teeth. Price £6.99.

Cheerleader Pom-Poms have often been requested by parents, but we have only recently found a supplier with a varied stock at reasonable prices. Made in the USA, they have plastic handles with rounded edges, come in a range of bright colours and cost £3.99 each.

We also have a large Luminous Pom-Pom. This would be excellent for hanging in a light room, and is priced at £19.99.

Eating and Drinking Equipment

Fledglings stocks a variety of utensils and cutlery to develop children's independence at mealtimes. We also sell products, including Dycem, to help keep utensils in place.

We have been particularly impressed by one new product on the market, the Carl Jordan Dining Set, a divided bowl with dual-handled cutlery which was developed by a parent to enable her teenage son (who has cerebral palsy) to eat independently. Price £16.99.

The Carl Jordan Dining Set

Swimwear and Swimming Aids

Children who have problems associated with swimming (e.g. continence, ear infections, temperature control, buoyancy) may be helped by a range of swim wear and aids, several of which we keep in stock.

Clothing

Clothing seems to be an area of particular difficulty for families who have a disabled child, but as a result of much searching we now have information about many practical items of clothing. We hope to use this newsletter to share some of this information in the coming months.

Bibs and Neckerchiefs

As a result of our initial research we were aware of the large demand for, but limited availability of, appropriate bibs for children. We have therefore worked closely with manufacturers to develop a selection of bibs and feeders to meet many different needs and tastes. In addition, we have a number of volunteer sewers who make our own range of waterproof neckerchiefs in a variety of colours and patterns.

As a result we usually have a large selection of both bibs and neckerchiefs in stock, suitable for toddlers up to fashion-conscious teenagers, ranging from £2.10 to around £10 each.

We plan to make some special Christmas neckerchiefs this year - please let us know if you would be interested.

Underwear

All-in-one vests and sleep-suits are some of our most popular, good value items. Made to order in high quality cotton jersey, they are available for all age-groups and can be adapted to meet a variety of special needs, for example to accommodate gastrostomy tubes or to prevent children undressing.

Sketches of underwear designs (many more available)

Tina from Norfolk says:

“I am thrilled with the neckerchiefs and the all-in-one, and am so glad I found Fledglings!”

We also now know of a supplier who can make sleep-suits in a fleece material.

Outdoor Wear

We have good experience of a company who make waterproof outdoor wear for children using wheelchairs, in olive green, camouflage fabric, and red with navy trim. They were featured in a recent article in Good Housekeeping about Fledglings. Prices range from £13 to £34.

A fleece-lined waterproof cover

A parent has designed and made an easy-to-put-on fleecy coat for her daughter, a wheelchair user with very limited mobility. These could be made to order, so call us if interested.

Shoelaces

To help children who cannot tie shoelaces, elastic ones are available in all colours. Some are coiled, some straight, and some flat for athletic shoes. For safety, glow-in-the-dark laces are also fun! All priced at £1.99 per pair.

Continence Products

Fledglings has investigated and received feedback on continence products for three years. We have been invited to Eneuresis Training days with our local Health Authority who refer patients to us to find out what is available. As a result of our discussions with suppliers, some now produce items to order.

The Snoozy sheet protector is one of our favourite products. It lies on the bottom sheet and absorbs 1.5 litres of fluid whilst remaining dry on top. The Snoozy has bright motifs and cartoon characters printed on it, so children love it. Feedback indicates that, at the least, it reduces middle of the night bed changes, and in some cases helps to stop bedwetting altogether. Price £16.99.

A Snoozy matress protector

One mother wrote:

“James was thrilled to bits with his Snoozy. It has helped to give him the confidence to try again without his 'baby' pants and has proved a great success.”

Safety Products

We know of a large range of simple products to help keep children safe, although nothing protects a child better than a watchful adult!

Complete covers are available to prevent children playing with light switches and power points. Made of strong plastic, these can be fitted quite easily, but are very difficult for children to remove. Price £6.99 for a double or two singles.

A new video lock with a key is now available. Price £2.95.

Books and Videos

Fledglings has a selection of helpful books and videos, including books for disabled children as well as books for their parents and siblings. We will be expanding our knowledge of this area and producing a comprehensive list of useful titles soon.

One series of books we consider worthy of attention is the 'Living With' series. This set of books portrays children talking about their life experiences of Asthma, Diabetes, Down's Syndrome, and Epilepsy. Each book is £9.50 in hardback, and £4.99 in paperback. Other titles, Living With Blindness, Cerebral Palsy, Deafness and Leukaemia, come in hardback only at £9.99 each.

Bikes, Buggies, Furniture, Play Equipment and Computers

We do not supply these directly, but can advise on a variety of sources for these products. In fact some OT's and Physiotherapists, who have little time to carry out product research themselves, come to Fledglings for this information.

The Box Bed is a new product that we consider noteworthy. Brightly coloured and child-friendly, it has the great advantage of being parent/carer friendly too, as it helps with the problem of lifting. It is electrically operated and can be positioned at different heights and angles. It also has see-through sides which keep the child in and enable the carer to see the child from a distance. The bed is available in different sizes for small children and those of adult height. Comments from paediatricians and Social Services have been positive. Price from about £900 according to specification.

A Box Bed

Who Are The Fledglings Volunteers?

Ruth Lingard, the founder, worked for many years as a teacher and as a professional social worker in special schools and hospitals. Ruth wrote the special needs information book 'A Child First' which won a National Information Forum 'Getting the Message Across Award' in 1998.

Lesley Mills, a former social work colleague of Ruth, joined Fledglings part-time in 2000. Lesley has been a foster parent and is a godmother to many children with special needs. She is also involved in many other voluntary activities in her community.

Many other individuals also help us in a variety of different ways, including bib-making, legal and financial advice, and computing support.

How Is Fledglings Financed?

Fledglings is run by unpaid volunteers and operates from our homes, so overhead costs are kept as low as possible.

We cover day-to-day running costs partly from small commissions on some of the products that we supply, and partly from commissions on the sale of some larger items supplied directly to families by manufacturers as a result of information provided by Fledglings. However, whether or not we get commissions in this way does not affect our decision to supply information about products.

We also receive occasional small donations from our customers, for which we are very grateful.

“Fledglings, what would we do without you?”

Anne Thompson, Cheshire.

Special Offers and Open Days

Occasionally, we have a number of products which we are able to offer at specially low prices. At present we have a number of good quality toys and books in this category, which we would like to clear. With this in mind we are holding two Open Days during the next three months, at which you will be very welcome.

The Open Days will be on Thursday 8th November and Wednesday 5th December. Each Open Day will be from 10:00 until 16:00. It would be helpful if you would let us know a day or so in advance if you are planning to come along.

Also see us at the Christmas Bazaar at Green Hedges School, Stapleford, Cambridge, on Sunday 25th November from 14:00 to 16:00.

“Many thanks for the efforts you put in … I am very impressed!”

Judith Randall, Grimsby.