Fledglings News - Issue 2

Happy Easter 2002!

In this, our second issue of Fledglings News, we highlight more tried and tested products for children with special needs, based on our own analysis and on parent recommendations. We also feature a special trike and update you on Fledglings' progress.

Thank You

Thanks to all who returned the reply slip at the back of Issue 1 and especially to those who contacted us with information in response to Can You Help? Information was received regarding all three items, but some information was conflicting - which teaches us that what is good for one may not always be good for another. However, we are grateful for the information received which is being acted on and will be passed to the original enquirers.

Can You Help?

• We need suggestions about reasonably priced lightweight garments for a teenager to wear under a body brace. Alternatively, information about where to obtain medical grade stockinette to make such a garment would be helpful.
• Can anyone find tube socks - other than ski socks - for children? We know they are widely available in the USA.

Phonics teaching helps develop literacy skills

A study by Ofsted at the end of last year highlighted the fact that pupils in primary schools which have mastered the teaching of phonics make good progress. Lack of phonics teaching in the first few years of primary school, on the other hand, held back progress in this area.

We think many families may like to know more about how to help their children with learning to read, and on page 4 we give information about Jolly Phonics, a scheme which can be used both at home and in school.

The Tomcat - a very special trike

We have heard glowing reports about the Tomcat from several families, so we asked Bob Griffin, its designer, and two families who have experience of it, to write articles for inclusion in this newsletter.

Bob Griffin writes...

“My first contact with disability came seven years ago when I met my partner, Anne. She told me she had a beautiful little boy with learning difficulties. In my ignorance I thought he was having trouble with his maths or science. Angelman's syndrome turned out to be a little more complicated, however. Some of its characteristics are short attention span, lack of speech and no sense of time or danger.

Anne was always looking for ways to tire Tom out so he would sleep through the night, but that was difficult. Tom had a special needs trike, but though he enjoyed pedalling it, he couldn't steer and so it was never used. It is tempting to say a child can't do this or that because they have a disability, but we all like to achieve when we can. Kids like Tom are no different and can also achieve providing they are given tasks within their ability. As Tom could not make his own decisions, I decided to design a trike for him to pedal which Anne could steer and brake from behind. It was to be the world's first carer-controlled tricycle. Three months later the trike was a reality and Tom rode for two miles on open roads.

What began as a solution to a practical problem became an interest and then a proper business and so far over 100 Tomcats are in use, keeping kids active and out of mischief. Very few were able to ride a trike before but all have succeeded with the Tomcat - we have yet to have a failure, regardless of the severity of the child's disabilities.

The Tomcat is not generally advertised. Our referrals come by recommendation. If anyone would like further information I may be contacted through Fledglings.”

Family Perspectives

“Our 9 year old daughter, Sophie, who has Angelman's syndrome, has always enjoyed outdoor pursuits. We were keen to find something that she could ride which would accommodate her growth. We believe we have found it with the Tomcat trike.

Unlike some adapted trikes we have seen, its appearance does not stand out as being out of the ordinary. Therefore, not only does the child love it, but also parents feel comfortable operating it. We chose the collapsible, two piece trike for its easy storage and transportability. As you can see from the photograph, Sophie loves it and does all the work, pedalling the trike herself. The very clever steering/braking mechanism is light and easy to handle, and it is good exercise and great fun for both of us.”

Paul Kavanagh

“'I wish Ben could ride a bike, then we could all go out together' was the constant cry of Ben's sister, Charlotte. Ben has autism and pragmatic language disorder. He is a large boy for his age but is not active. He lacks confidence, and finds following instructions difficult. We had given up hope of Ben ever being able to ride a bike. Then a friend told us about Fledglings. We contacted Fledglings who put us in touch with Bob from Tomcat trikes.

We visited Bob who immediately put us at ease and encouraged Ben to try one of the demonstration models at his workshop. At first, Ben was scared but the trike was amazing; so many added features to inspire confidence. Initially using the control system at the back, Bob took Ben out into the village. I couldn't believe it! - Ben was pedalling. After a few minutes Bob switched the steering control to Ben who then steered on his own. One thing that worried me with other trikes was whether Ben would be able to apply the brakes, but Ben's Tomcat will be built with a cord pull brake that I can operate from behind, if necessary.

In two weeks we collect Ben's bike, made especially for him. He's looking forward to riding it to school each day. Charlotte, too, can't wait, as we will, at last, be able to go out together.”

Hazel Pike

More Products Available Through Fledglings

Products on the theme 'little things that can make a big difference' are featured in our centre pages in this issue, in addition to others about which we have received good feedback. As far as possible, we have also tried to reflect the interests of those who returned the Reply Slip at the back of Issue 1.

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. But we do produce lists of items which we have sourced on behalf of families and which we are able to supply. All prices quoted are correct at the time of going to press. Postage (at cost) is charged as extra unless otherwise indicated. Please do not send money with the order as we invoice with delivery.

Developmental Toys and Learning Resources

Wiggles

Wiggles has proved enormously successful, particularly with children who have sensory loss. This soft toy has visual and tactile appeal with its vibrant colours contrasting with black and white, and its varied textures; but its greatest appeal is from the gentle vibrations which result when you pull the ring on its tail. With no startling loud noises, it is suitable for young children. It may also encourage children with one-sided weakness to use both hands. This is one of our customers', and our own, favourites. Price: £5.99.

Rolling Giggle Puppy

Rolling Giggle Puppy has many of the same features as Wiggles, providing visual, auditory and tactile stimulation. Round and lightweight it can be shaken, or rolled and thrown like a ball. This action rewards you with happy laughing sounds which are very engaging. We have heard that it is very popular with an autistic child whose family purchased one through us. Price: £6.99.

Magnetic Stackers

Magnetic Stackers is an innovative toy based on the traditional stacking cups. The magnetic dimension provides a little extra help for children with unsteady movements, giving them more opportunity to succeed in building a tower. It can also be used for colour matching as the magnetic building blocks can be attached to the corresponding colours on the base. Price: £6.99.

Dry/Wipe Magnetic Boards, used with a variety of accessories, can aid play and learning, particularly for children with spasmodic movements. When using a multi-sensory approach to learning, children can feel letters and numbers before practising writing those shapes on the same board. Use for magnetic games such as tic tac toe or as a clipboard by attaching paper firmly to it with strong magnets. There are many possible uses for this product. Price: £3.99 (A4 size).

Developmental Toys and Learning Resources (continued)

Handhugger Triangular Pens and Pencils are big and chunky and their shape encourages the most appropriate pencil grip - a great help when learning to write or draw. We bulk purchase these pencils and will supply them individually. This enables children to try them out without incurring a big expense for their parents. Price: pens: £1.20 each; pencils: £0.50 each.

Also available are Handhugger Triangular Colouring Pens, (£5.75 for a pack of 12) and Handhugger Triangular Colouring Pencils (£5.55 for a pack of 12).

Grippits are new gadgets that can be attached to a child's fingers to enable the child to develop good pencil control. Price: £1.00 each.

A Grippit

Emotions Matching Pairs, a set of 12 matching pairs of wooden tiles depicting facial expressions, can be used to encourage children to share their feelings and/or to identify different expressions in others. Matching can be remarkably tricky if the whole set is used but by using fewer pieces the game can be adapted to the needs of those playing. Price: £12.99.

Emotions matching pairs

Jolly Phonics is a complete resource for teaching reading, writing and spelling which follows a multi-sensory approach. It is suitable for home use as well as in nursery school or infant classes, as the methods of teaching do not conflict with other schemes, and it is a fun way for a child to learn.

The whole consists of a handbook (£19.95), a parents' video (£9.99), two children's videos (£9.99 each), a wall frieze (£5.95), seven workbooks (£1.50 each) and seven Finger Phonics books (£4.50 each), two packs of four magnetic jigsaw puzzles (£9.95 per pack) and a pack of eight stencilets (£11.95).

The Jolly Phonics Box (£129.72) contains the whole system.

The Jolly Phonics Box

Computers

Computers, now seen as an essential learning resource, can be helpful for many children with special needs, but they are expensive. After frequent requests for reasonably priced computers we now work closely with a charitable company who supply re-conditioned computers at a fraction of the cost of a new one. For example, an Internet-ready Pentium computer including monitor, keyboard, mouse, cables, new CD ROM, new sound card, new speakers and new internal modem is £220 plus £25 delivery. For further details, including prices of simpler packages, give us a call.

Sensory Development Aids

Feely Bags containing objects with a variety of textures can be made by parents to help develop their child's sense of touch. This is particularly helpful for children whose mobility is restricted, e.g. those confined to a hospital bed or those who have limited physical movement. However, time is precious to the parents of these children, so we have some ready-made feely bags. They consist of six tiny soft cushions in satin, cotton, sheepskin, fake fur, velveteen, and corduroy and three squares of harder materials, including one which can be used as a mirror. Available in a bright drawstring bag. Price: £8.99.

Unbreakable Mirror on a roll can be used safely and imaginatively in sensory work. Measuring 60 × 150 cm, it comes sticky-backed. If fixed to a ceiling or a suspended board a child lying on his back can see himself and become aware of his own movements. Use as a full-length wall mirror or create a reflective corner of a room by using several together. Small pieces may be cut out and used for making mirrors in a personalised book or to create reflective mobiles, greeting cards, collages or whatever takes your fancy. Price: £9.99.

Eating and Drinking Equipment

Pat Saunders Straws contain a valve which enables liquid sucked through the straw to remain in the straw until the next suck. This makes it possible for those who need several attempts to bring the liquid all the way to the mouth to do so. One little boy we know can now join in snack time at his nursery independently thanks to the straw. Although these straws are normally sold in packs of five we are happy to supply them individually to enable children to try them out. Available in 10″ and 7″ lengths. Price: £1.50 per straw.

Extra-long Flexible Straws are also available which help children to drink from a glass on a low tray without the need to lift the glass. Can be cut to size. Price: £0.99 each.

A Utensil Holder is a small device into which one can fit a spoon, fork or similar utensil. The holder fits firmly around the palm of the hand by means of a velcro strap giving a child with limited hand control greater opportunities for independent feeding. Price: £4.99.

A Utensil Holder

Books and Videos

Don't Call me Special, subtitled A First Look at Disability, is a delightful, carefully worded and well illustrated book which helps to raise the subject of disability with young children. It would be a useful addition to any early years library, but its message which challenges the assumptions we all make about each other, makes it worthy of a read even by a more mature audience. Price £10.99, in hardback only.

Holding Hands is a songbook, complete with CD, written by an early years teacher/musician who strongly believes in the use of music to develop communication and learning for all. Designed with parents/carers of children with special needs in mind, it is easy to use for non-musical practitioners. There are 20 songs, many with activities, to encourage listening, turn taking, body awareness, positive behaviour and much more. Price: £14.50.

Safety Products

An Allergy Patch

Allergy Patches - these bright sew-on patches can be made with the relevant text for your needs, e.g. No Nuts, No Eggs, I am diabetic, etc. Price from £4.00 (according to text).

Car Seat Buckle Guards, plastic covers for buckles on car seat belts, reduce the risk of a child accidentally undoing a car seat buckle. Price: £4.99.

Continence Products

Waterproof Duvets need no laundering and can be sponged clean with warm soapy water - a great boon to those caring for sick or incontinent children. We know of two which we feel are worth recommending:

The Belmont is a lightweight waterproof duvet developed for nursing homes to prevent the problem of patients perspiring. It comes flat-packed and gradually fills with air which gives it its thermal qualities. This duvet comes in a 4.5 tog and a 9 tog rating. The 4.5 tog is very versatile as it can be used all year by combining with a warm blanket on the top, if required. Single duvet only. Price: 4.5 tog: £46.17 (inc. delivery); 9.0 tog: £53.45 (inc. delivery). We have supplied several of these to satisfied customers.

The Duette is a recent find which we like very much and which we believe may be more popular for use in family homes as it has a more conventional texture and appearance than the Belmont. 10.4 tog single duvet only. Price: £44.50 (inc. delivery).

Clothing

The Travel Wrap, best described as a back to front cape, is a recent find to receive the thumbs up from parents. It slips easily over the child's head (no sleeves, buttons or zips) and it is soft, warm and practical as it can be machine washed and dries quickly. Made from pre-piled polar fleece it comes in three sizes, Small, Medium and Large, and in either navy or red. Price: £19.99.

Comfi-Shorts were designed by a patient after surgery in which he was fitted with a urine drainage bag. These smart boxer shorts style underwear accommodate the drainage bag comfortably and discreetly for people of all ages who may need them. Price: £12.50 each or 3 for £35.00 plus £2.50 p&p.

Thermal Insoles can help keep feet warm but may also help shoes fit better. Cut to size. Price: £1.99.

Janene wearing a Travel Wrap

Swimwear and Swimming Aids

Neoprene Swimshorts and Tops may be suitable for children who do not maintain their body heat when in the water. Also, as they are close-fitting and completely waterproof, they may be used fairly reliably by those who are incontinent. They have the added advantage of having 100% UV protection when used on a beach in the summer. Standard sizes fit people from 4 years to adults. Can be custom made with zips for ease of access. Colour: black only available. Price: shorts: £15; tops: £20; plus £2.50 p&p per order.

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.

Outstanding Enquiries

We always have a number of outstanding enquiries. There are many reasons for this, including the increasing demand on our service. However, we always continue to look for a solution. So if you solve your own difficulty before hearing from us, please let us know as your solution may be of help to others, and we can avoid an unnecessary lengthy search.

Fledglings' Volunteers

We are pleased to welcome Emily Poyser, a student at Anglia Polytechnic University, who has recently joined us under the Millennium Volunteers Scheme to help us with our administration. Thank you also to Pauline, Lindy, Avril, Sarah, and many others who help us in other ways.

The Child Hip Seat Carrier - recommended by parents

This little gadget, a seat for a child which fits securely around the parent's waist, has recently been recommended to us by two families. It helps relieve the strain on a parent's back when carrying a heavy child. Price: £29.95 plus £2.95 p&p.

Donations

We gratefully acknowledge the following donations:

Paul Chick - £25, Louise Daniels - £5, Pam Gavin - £15, Jenny Rowe - £7, The Leys School, Cambridge - £293 (from the chapel Sunday offering).

We are also very grateful to parents who send stamped addressed envelopes or round up their bills to the next pound.

However, we know we must look for further funding in order to develop and meet future demand. If you have time to drop us a line explaining if/how our service has helped, we would love to hear from you. This would be of great help to us when we apply for funding.

Some Events Attended by Fledglings - Winter 2001/2

• UK Disability Forum for Europe 'Design for All' Conference at the Business Design Centre, Islington
• Cambridgeshire Network of Out of School Clubs Play Away Day 2001, Huntingdon
• KIDS Family Centre, Camden Town, London

Fledglings' stall at the UK Disability Forum