Disability

Disability

Content on this page is developed and managed by Youth Connexions Hertfordshire.

Youth Connexions logo

If you have a disability or learning difficulty, Youth Connexions, part of Hertfordshire County Council  Services for Young People, provides a free service offering information, advice, guidance, support and personal development opportunities until you reach your 25th birthday.

It's for all young people whatever their ability or background, but provides extra support to those who need it most. Their aim is to help young people make the most of their potential.

You can contact the team on the duty line: 01438 844 999 (answer phone available) or e-mail:

LDD.DutyYouthConnexions@hertfordshire.gov.uk

View the latest leaflet about local Learning Difficulty Assessment.

 

If you have a disability - learning, physical, sensory or other sort - you can find lots of useful information on this page.

Your difficulty or disability does not have to stand in your way when you want to do something. Read on to find out how you can seek support to do the things you want to do.

Want to get involved and have some fun?

mo waving

A number of projects exist for young people in Hertfordshire. Some can be found on our sistersite, Mogozout
  

Going to college

Disability page - girls in wheelchairs

Most people will think about moving on to a college after they leave school.

Going to college can help you to learn about work, shopping, travelling independently, writing, being creative, cooking, using money, IT and many other things.  You'll also be able to make new friends.

 

 

 

Watch the short film below:

 
 
In Hertfordshire, there are four main colleges. All four offer courses which could be right for you.

These are:

 

Some people may be worried about what support and help they'll get at college...

Every college in Hertfordshire has help and support available for people with learning difficulties and most local colleges will be able to meet your needs.

You might want to think about how you will get to and from college.  For some people, it makes sense to choose a college near to where they live. It's a good idea to learn how to travel independently, if you can.  Travel training is available at most schools and colleges.

If you're ready to start thinking about which college may be right for you, speak to your teachers and Youth Connexions personal advisor, as well as family and friends about what's right for you. You will be able to see your local college through a visit or school link.

 

Looking for work

Most young people want to do some kind of work in the future.

For some people, work is a way of gaining independence, learning new skills, making new friends and feeling more adult. It's also a way of earning money, although not all work is paid.

Many young people have an ambition to find paid employment.  If you're interested in finding work, it might be a good idea for you to talk to your  Youth Connexions Personal Adviser or if you don't have a Personal Adviser or social worker contact the Youth Connexions Learning Difficulties and Disabilities (LDD) team on 01438 844999.


Access to Work can be found on the government website.

 

Useful information for you in Hertfordshire:

 

Ideas 4 life

ideas for life 

Ideas 4 life is a new DVD that has been created by Youth Connexions Hertfordshire featuring Hertfordshire young people talking about their lives and their aspirations.

Young people with learning disabilities have been instrumental in the design of the DVD.

The film is designed to give young people with learning difficulties and their parents information and ideas about the various options that could be open to them in adult life so that they can begin to plan positively for the future.

The Ideas 4 life DVD can be obtained by calling the Youth Connexions LDD duty line on 01438 844999.

Ideas 4 life also has series of leaflets for young people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities covering finding a job, benefits, relationships and much more. Click here.

 

Hertfordshire PASS

Hertfordshire PASS is a charity providing help with employability, and is dedicated to helping disabled people gain "INDEPENDENCE THROUGH SELF DIRECTED SUPPORT". Hertfordshire PASS has a support Service where staff with disabilities will talk about their experiences to give insight to other members of the public with disabilities. Hertfordshire PASS also has its EmployerABILITY department which is dedicated to helping young people gain skills enabling them to employ and manage their own carers and personal assistants in the future. As a link to this department, the Support Service is happy to refer people who make contact, to other organizations with expertise relating to their query.

The Support Service is contactable by phone: 01438 747455 or e-mail: support.service@hertspass.com

For information on disabilities for all ages in Hertfordshire, visit Hertsdirect.

Support for you and your family - The KIDS HUB East and West, offer information, support and fun days out for families across Hertfordshire, find out more here.

Hertfordshire Action for Disability (HAD) has lots of equipment to support disabled young people. They have 8 adapted cars and are able to teach young disabled people to drive. They also provide 24/7 accessible transport to anywhere people want to go. Visit their website to find out more.

 

Role models: Inspire a generation

A group of young disabled people interviewed and filmed their chosen role models to inspire other young disabled people to achieve their goals.

 

Follow the link to WATCH some of the short films.

 

Useful national websites

Downloads:

Young people with a disability

Personal independence payment

Learning difficulty assessment