I would like to start a group aimed at people with special needs?

hi i have two brothers who both have special needs but where i live there are few groups for people who have disabilities so they end up staying indoors and lack in confidence, friends, and skills.

i think they could gain these skills by having a group aimed at all ages which could play games with them, take them out places, let them interact with people like them, and give there parents or carers chance to talk to other parents or cares.



i am only 15 but i really wont to help my brothers, there friends, and there families. i dont think people will understand the needs for groups like this unless they have a close relationship with someone who is effected by a disability or someone who cares for them.



so basicly i would like to know about how i could create a group like this, the laws that may effect it and any funding, or ideas of things i could do with the group. as i said i want this group to be aimed at all ages, and all forms of disabilities.



thank you jess (i live in england)I would like to start a group aimed at people with special needs?
At 15, this is far too adventurous an idea to pursue on your own. I would suggest you start with your 2 brothers and their friends and organize a weekly or monthly activity for them to do with some of your friends. This will give you a taste of what you want to do. Than when you are a bit older, you can think about doing it on a more professional basis.



You are not legally old enough to be certified to provide the type of services you are thinking of providing and be paid by anyone to do them. What you are going to have to do is something totally casual and very low cost.I would like to start a group aimed at people with special needs?
Well you did say you are 15. Lots to learn Kid.
Firstly you would have to find an accessible room which is suitable for your group this may be a room hired from a church hall or a community centre, then you would have to think about funding how much would it cost to hire the room? how much would you be able to charge the group members? Would you provide refreshments and make a charge for these, what kind of equipment would the group need and how would you fund this. You could try and get some ideas down on paper including sourcing a suitable room, funding for the fee of this room and equipment, materials you may need. You could contact some charities to ask them if they could offer you any support or help or know of any organisation who could help with funding or providing a room for the group



If you are going to work with children or vulnerable people police checks may need to be carried out on any people who are helping out or having contact with the members of the group and you may need to have liability insurance



Another thing you may want to think about is how to make other groups more accessible for people with disabilities for example why can't young people access existing groups such as the scouts maybe you could contact groups like this and try to make them accessible to people with disabilities what are the barriers which prevent people with disabilities from joining in with the existing groups? Would you be able to contribute to these groups and enable them to become more accessible
Talk to your local social services office (phone no in yellow pages or call ar your council offices) - they will be very happy to talk to you, go through the legal requirements and also refer you to any existing groups they know about. Remember that not all disabled people want to be categorised as ';a group'; and younger disabled people may prefer the opportunity to meet those of a similar age rather than older people with differing interests. It would be useful to sit down with your brothers and talk about what, ideally, they would like to do - albeight watch or participate in sport, play board/electronic games, go on outings. If they are interested in playing sport, take a look at: www.cpsport.org.uk - this organisation caters for all disablilities and many sports (some, like boccia, aimed at severely disabled people). God Luck!
First let me say that this is a great idea %26amp; your being a great sister to your brothers. I think you should start small %26amp; let the program grow around you. Maybe put out fliers once you're ready to grow. The social interaction for those who have or have loved ones with disabilities wolud be an amazing thing! I myself have a disability %26amp; can tell you from personal experience how important it is for them to meet others like them. I would reccomend finding some adults with disabilities to help mentor the younger ones. It's important to be able to see someone with a disability who's been successful at making it in the world. With the stereotypes around being disabled, this is a message that is important. Good luck %26amp; God Bless.