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Category: Special Needs Programme

Read more about this programme.

  • Empowering Parents and Carers

    Empowering Parents and Carers

    A Reflection from the Children’s Disability Network Team Mid-Wicklow

    The Wicklow Primary Healthcare Centre, and the Children’s Disability Network Team Mid-Wicklow (CDNT6) have been at the forefront of delivering the Parents Plus Special Needs Programme since it was launched in September 2020  

    The Parents Plus Special Needs Programme was developed to enable professionals to effectively support parents of children with special needs to:

    • Manage behaviour and emotional problems
    • Deal with puberty, sexuality and relationships
    • Reduce their own stress as parents
    • Support all relationships in the family
    • Build self-esteem and confidence
    • Advocate for their child or adolescent
    • Support education and development
    • Prepare their child for adulthood and future transitions

    This initiative supports the empowerment of parents and carers of children with special needs, offering individual pre-group meetings, seven group sessions, and continued support post-programme..

    The facilitation team, Elsabé de Villiers, Senior Educational Psychologist, Susan Kaup Senior Speech and Language Therapist, and Julie Bunworth, Senior Social Worker shared their reflections on the programme’s impact.

    “The dedication and engagement of parents and carers in this programme is nothing short of remarkable. Their willingness to deeply engage with the programme and each other, investing time, emotional energy, and a commitment to integrating new strategies into their lives, has been a cornerstone of the programme’s success.” 

    They went on to highlight the interest and commitment of parents and carers attending the programme, noting the ease and comfort with which participants connect, share their journeys and sincerely engage with each other’s experiences. This collaborative and supportive environment has been key to the shared learning among participants.

    The programme takes a tailored approach to meeting the individual goals and needs of the parents and families involved. A pre-course meeting was arranged to discuss the Special Needs Programme with each parent. At this meeting, each parent chose four goals for their family- usually two goals for their child/children and two goals for themselves as parents to work towards during the course. The facilitator’s role in delivering the Special Needs Programme was explained at this pre-course meeting. Facilitators present information about two topics each week and each parent decides which tools and strategies to try out with their family during the course. The facilitator’s role each week is to build each parent’s confidence as they work towards the goals they choose for their family. Feedback from attendees has highlighted the solidarity that develops between parents, and the focus on self-care to enhance overall well-being. 

    As we look to the future, the Parents Plus facilitators on CDNT6 in Wicklow have identified opportunities in delivering the programme, for example, enabling both parents to attend by running groups online and exploring alternative formats like setting up a group for fathers and including those who may not feel comfortable in a group setting by completing the PPSN Programme with some parents on an individual basis.

    Our programmes combine a social learning model with a solution-focused preventative framework that encourages and empowers parents, young people, and children to ‘take charge’ and make positive changes in their lives

    Parents Plus trains and supports over 800 professionals as facilitators each year throughout Ireland, the UK and internationally.

    Our bespoke train-the-trainer model ensures that professional service providers are best equipped to improve the lives of thousands of families and young people in a variety of settings, including family resource centres, child and adolescent mental health clinics; and disability services, childcare centres and preschools; primary and secondary schools; and child protection agencies.

    Trained professionals include teachers, social workers, speech and language therapists, psychologists, family support workers, public health nurses, occupational therapists, psychiatrists, childcare workers, mental health workers, health promotion officers and community Workers.

    To learn more about our programmes please visit our website at https://www.parentsplus.ie/parents-plus-programmes/ or email our Impact Lead Vicki Byrne at vicki@parentsplus.ie

    A Case Study from Northumberland County Council

    In the North-East of England four Local Authority and County Council areas, including Northumberland, South Tyneside, Newcastle, and Gateshead, have come together as a region to avail of training in and rolling out the Parenting When Separated programme under the RPC, through Early Help and Family Hubs.

    Read the case study here
  • Parents Plus and the HSE Children’s Disability services to roll out Parents Plus Programmes.

    Parents Plus and the HSE Children’s Disability services to roll out Parents Plus Programmes.

    We are delighted to announce a new collaboration between Parents Plus Charity, the HSE Disability Division and Children’s Disability Network Teams to roll out and evaluate the impact of the Parents Plus Early Years and Special Needs parent support programmes to families over the next three years 2024-2026. 

    We look forward to working together with the CDNTs to train and support practitioners, building the capacity of teams in providing these evidenced-based programmes to help families deal with the challenges they face.

    The critical value of early access to evidence-based and tailored parenting interventions for families raising a child with a disability cannot be underestimated.  It is a key component of family-centred practice which recognise the importance of focusing on the whole family and not just the child requiring support. Research further emphasises that empowering parents of children with a disability with the tailored parenting tools that they define as needed to support their family, is a critical determinant of a child’s future outcomes, as well as affecting the well-being of siblings and parents too. 

    The Parents Plus Early Years and Special Needs programmes come from a holistic strengths-based model where parents are empowered to build their coping capacity. A further powerful element of the group-based programmes is that parents meet and support each other on their journey raising a child who has additional support needs .  The project will provide training and implementation support for 160 practitioners from CDNTs over three years in the Parents Plus Early Years and the Special Needs Programmes.

    As well as the programme trainings we will also run workshops on the Parents Plus Solution Focused Model of working with families.  These workshops will be open to teams across a range of disciplines to support strengths-based practice.

    If you are working on a CDNT and would like to hear more about the project you can email Ciara Ni Raghallaigh, Parents Plus Disability Programmes Lead at: ciaranir@parentsplus.ie

  • Supporting Parents to Manage Challenges: The Special Needs Programme

    Supporting Parents to Manage Challenges: The Special Needs Programme

    The Parents Plus Special Needs Programme is a first-in-the-world programme for families rearing an adolescent with an intellectual disability and was created to help parents to manage challenges, improve their family’s well-being and strengthen their links with other parents. 

    Through training in the Special Needs Programme, professionals working with families and children will learn how to empower parents to positively manage the many hidden challenges and isolation that can be common for parents of adolescents with an intellectual disability, as well as improve the well-being of all family members and prepare young people for future transitions and adulthood. 

    Who is the Parents Plus Special Needs Programme for?

    This unique programme is primarily targeted at parents of adolescents who have an intellectual disability in the mild, moderate or severe range and who are 11- 18 years old. The programme is suitable for adolescents with a primary diagnosis of an intellectual disability but who may have additional diagnoses such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as well as physical disabilities and medical conditions.

    Can the PPSN programme be used for young adults?

    The programme can also be used with young adults 18 to 25 years old. Many of the challenges for parents of young adults with intellectual disabilities are similar to those of parents with adolescents, meaning that the programme will have similar benefits. In addition, during the transition to adult services many parents experience a fall of in-service support so this can be a good time to run the PPSN programme with families.

    Can the PPSN programme be used with children younger than 11 years?

    Some elements of the programme are relevant for all age groups, particularly the ‘Parent Self-care sections and some of the ‘Supporting Families’ and ‘Supporting Children’ sections. However, many other parts, specifically target the needs of adolescents with an intellectual disability and are focused on issues such as the transition into adult services etc. If you are running a PPSN programme group, you can include some parents with children with intellectual disabilities who are younger than age 11. In these instances, it is best to meet them in advance and explain the content of the course and check if they still want to attend.

    However, if your main target group is parents of younger children with an intellectual disability, we generally recommend that you use adapted versions of the age-specific Parents Plus programmes. The Parents Plus Early Years programme is successfully used with parents of children with special needs who are aged 1 to 8 years. Some of the video footage in the PPEY was made with parents of children with a mild intellectual disability and within the programme there is the potential to make individual videos with families whose children have a moderate or severe intellectual disability to tailor it to their needs. For parents of children with an intellectual disability who are aged 8-11 years, a combination of the Parents Plus Early Years and Children’s programme is recommended.

    In delivering the Parents Plus Early Years or Children’s programmes to parents of a child with intellectual disabilities, you can draw on some of the ideas and relevant session plans from the Parents Plus Special Needs Programme.

    BOOK TODAY

    If you would like to learn more about our work or any our suite of 8 evidenced-based professional training programmes you can contact Vicki Byrne at vicki@parentsplus.ie with any specific enquiries or questions you have.

  • New Research Confirms Positive Impact of Parents Plus Programme on Special Needs Children with Intellectual Disabilities and their Families

    New Research Confirms Positive Impact of Parents Plus Programme on Special Needs Children with Intellectual Disabilities and their Families

    Parents Plus, a leading provider of evidence-based parenting programmes for services, has released new research showing the positive impact of their Special Needs Programme on children with special needs and their families.

    The research, conducted by Dr Suzanne McMahon and colleagues at the School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, and published in the Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, evaluated the effectiveness of the Parents Plus Special Needs Programme (PPSN), a seven-week parenting group intervention for parents of adolescents with intellectual disabilities.

    In a cluster randomised controlled trial, 24 intellectual disability services supporting families of adolescents with an intellectual disability were assigned to PPSN (12 services; 141 parents) or a waitlist control group (12 services; 136 parents). Primary outcomes were parent-reported parenting practices, family adjustment, problem behaviours, emotional problems, and prosocial behaviours. Secondary outcomes were parental satisfaction, parental self-efficacy, and goal attainment.

    Key findings from the research include:

    Improved Child Outcomes. The programme effectively improves children’s behaviour, emotional regulation, and social skills. Parents reported that their children showed significant improvements in these areas, including better communication, increased ability to express emotions appropriately, and improved social interaction with peers.

    The programme effectively improves children’s behaviour, emotional regulation, and social skills. Parents reported that their children showed significant improvements in these areas, including better communication, increased ability to express emotions appropriately, and improved social interaction with peers.

    Enhanced Parental Wellbeing: The programme also had a positive impact on the mental health and well-being of parents, reducing their stress levels and improving their relationships with their children. Parents reported feeling more connected to their children and more able to enjoy their time together.

    Improved Professional Practice: Professionals who received training in the programme reported feeling more knowledgeable and confident in supporting families of children with special needs. They also reported that the programme provided them with practical strategies and tools that they could use in their work with families.

    The Parents Plus Special Needs Programme is a 6-8 week group-based intervention designed to support professionals working with parents and carers of children with intellectual disabilities including developmental disabilities such as autism, and ADHD. Delivered by trained professionals working in the community, education, health and disability services the programme focuses on reducing stress and supporting parent and child well-being. 

    Commenting on the research, Dr John Sharry, Founder and Clinical Director of Parents Plus, said: “We are thrilled with the positive results of this research. The Special Needs Programme was developed in partnership with families and disability services and has always been grounded in evidence-based practice, and this study shows that it is a powerful tool for promoting the well-being of children and families.  We are delighted to see that it is making a real difference in their lives.”

    Ciara Ni Raghallaigh, Parents Plus Special Needs Programme Coordinator says of the research  “Clinicians and therapists working with children and families who are facing the challenges of raising a child with special needs will be heartened by this recent research. As someone who has worked in disability services for many years using Parents Plus programmes, I have seen first-hand the transformative impact that this programme can have on families, and I am delighted that this research has provided further validation of its effectiveness.”

    With the prevalence of special needs children increasing worldwide, the findings of this research highlight the importance of evidence-based interventions that ensure services are supporting parents and carers in promoting positive outcomes for children with special needs. The Parents Plus Special Needs Programme provides a valuable resource for professionals working with children and adolescents with special needs and their families.

    Download the research paper hereDownload

    Earlier this year our CEO, Cherie Tyner and Ciara Ni Raghallaigh, Special Needs Programme Co-Ordinator had the honour of presenting to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Disability Matters for consideration of Family Centred Practice and Parent Training Interventions. You can read about this important day for our organisation and this unique and vital programme here.

    The Parents Plus Special Needs Programme is practical, solution-focused and draws on parents strengths. It is suitable for professionals including social workers, therapists, teachers to assist parents who are raising an older child or adolescent with a mild, moderate or severe intellectual disability, and who may also have an additional diagnosis, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or a physical disability.

    See here or click the image below for more information on the Special Needs programme.

  • Parents Plus welcomes The Report on Aligning Disability Services with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

    Parents Plus welcomes The Report on Aligning Disability Services with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

    Parents Plus welcomes this important report published by the Joint Committee on Disability Matters today.

    The report shows access to mainstream health services is severely impacted for people with disabilities due to inaccessible services, lack of expertise, therapies, & individualised services as well as a significant cost of disability & a lack of disability awareness training.

    It goes on to say Disability Services have a broken structure that impacts the transformation of a service, is based on a medical approach to disability, sustains segregation through a lack of mainstreaming early intervention, & ultimately impacts the rights of people with disabilities. The report calls on the Government to undertake crisis talks on national measures to support the transformation of Disability Services to ensure the delivery of early intervention across health services for people with disabilities. The report makes a number of recommendations, under the following headings – rights-based disability services provision, community-based health services and support, children’s disability services and future innovation.

    Here are the key points from the report:

    • The Joint Committee on Disability Matters in Ireland has called on the government to hold crisis talks to discuss national measures to support the transformation of disability services.
    • The committee’s report on aligning disability services with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities highlights the need for a clear implementation plan and sustainable funding for disability services.
    • The report recommends that the government establish a cross-departmental task force to oversee the implementation of the Convention, and that disability service providers be involved in the development of policies and strategies.
    • The committee also calls for the establishment of a Disability Ombudsman to ensure that the rights of persons with disabilities are upheld.
    • According to the press release, the report is based on extensive consultation with disability service users, advocates, and providers, as well as international experts in disability rights.
    • The committee’s Chair, Senator John Dolan, states that “the time for incremental change has passed,” and that “we need a once-in-a-generation shift in how we support and empower people with disabilities in Ireland.”
    Read The Full Report Here

    You can also watch the Live Launch of the report below –

    Earlier this month our CEO, Cherie Tyner and Ciara Ni Raghallaigh, Special Needs Programme Co-Ordinator had the honour of presenting to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Disability Matters.

    Cherie and Ciara were supported by Wayne McSweeney, parent and Niamh Kerrigan, parent and Programme Co-Facilitator as all four spoke to the committee about the benefits and impact of our Suite of Professional Programmes in supporting parents and families across the community, education, health and disability sectors and this allowed us to speak to the committee about our first in the world Special Needs Programme and the inequitable access to evidence-based parenting interventions for families raising a child with a disability.

    Read the Parents Plus Charity Opening Statement by CEO Cherie Tyner to The Joint Committee on Disability Matters Committee.

    Below is a list of the Committee Membership

    Deputies

    Michael Moynihan – Chair

    Holly Cairns

    Seán Canney

    Dessie Ellis

    Emer Higgins

    Neasa Hourigan

    Jennifer Murnane O’Connor

    John Paul Phelan

    Pauline Tully 

    Senators

    Tom Clonan

    Eileen Flynn

    Erin McGreehan

    Fiona O’Loughlin

    Mary Seery Kearney

  • Parents Plus Present to The Joint Committee on Disability Matters

    Parents Plus Present to The Joint Committee on Disability Matters

    Today our CEO, Cherie Tyner and Ciara Ni Raghallaigh, Parents Plus Disability Programmes Lead had the honour of presenting to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Disability Matters.

    Cherie and Ciara were supported by Wayne McSweeney, parent and Niamh Kerrigan, parent and Programme Co-Facilitator as all four spoke to the committee about the benefits and impact of our Suite of Professional Programmes in supporting parents and families across the community, education, health and disability sectors and this allowed us to speak to the committee about our first in the world Special Needs Programme and the inequitable access to evidence-based parenting interventions for families raising a child with a disability.

    There are over 22,000 children under 18 living with an intellectual disability in Ireland. For a number of years disability services contacted our charity to develop an evidence based parenting programme for these families, communicating that although they receive tailored support during the early years, as the child approaches adolescence, services did not have a proven parenting programme to draw on for this cohort when challenges and psychological distress are at their highest.
    Families can experience unique and increased challenging behaviour, communication and sexual problems, stigma and isolation from their communities, as well as difficulties promoting independence of the young person.
    Parents Plus responded to this need developing by The Parents Plus Special Needs Programme (PPSN). PPSN has undergone a Randomised Controlled Trial with the Psychology Dept, Trinity College Dublin, with impressive results; was developed in partnership with families and disability services; and is designed to be delivered by established disability services to parents, in their local communities, to empower them to change the outcomes not just of their child with an intellectual disability, but all of their family so they can realise their full potential, belong to, and contribute to an inclusive society. – a key commitment of CDNTs and UNCRPD.

    Read the Parents Plus Charity Opening Statement by CEO Cherie Tyner to The Joint Committee on Disability Matters.

    The Joint Committee on Disability Matters were meeting this morning for consideration of Family Centred Practice and Parent Training Interventions. Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Michael Moynihan said: “We welcome the opportunity to discuss Family Centred Practice and Parent Training Interventions and how it aligns with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.” “The UNCRPD requires service providers to provide a social model of support that facilitates disabled people to achieve maximum independence.
    “With that in mind, programmes focussed on family centered practice recognise that families know what is best for their children while professionals bring knowledge, skills and experience in disability. “This model has the potential to align with the UNCPRD and international best practice and we look forward to discussing how Family Centered Practices can better support families and children with disabilities.”

    You can visit our Twitter page below to watch back the committee meeting.

    If you would like to learn more about our unique and important Special Needs Programme we invite you to join us on Zoom Monday 20th February 2023 at 11 am and to find out why other parents recommend it for their families. 

    At the Information Session, you’ll have the opportunity to meet parents who have already completed the programme and hear first-hand why they believe it will benefit you and your child. You’ll also meet Ciara Ni Raghallaigh.

    Ciara is a Senior Speech and Language Therapist in the HSE, with over twenty years experience in the area of intellectual disability.  Ciara first trained in the Parents Plus programmes so she could run the evidence-based groups to support families on their journey from the early years right through to adolescence.  Having extensive first hand experience of the success of the programmes, Ciara now works with Parents Plus providing training to professionals in the Parents Plus Special Needs Programme (PPSN).  She also supervises facilitators who are delivering PPSN with families across a wide range of services both in Ireland and the UK.

    Register to learn more about our Special Needs Programme

    Our presentation to the Joint Committee on Disability Matters is just one example of Parents Plus’s advocacy work. We are committed to advocating for families with children with additional needs and to ensuring that they have access to the services and supports they need.

  • Read about the Impact our Special Needs Programme is Making

    Read about the Impact our Special Needs Programme is Making

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    Read the Irish Times article about our Special needs Programme

    https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/health-family/parenting/when-special-needs-and-adolescence-collide-1.4367652

    Read the New Research Confirms Positive Impact of Parents Plus Programme on Special Needs Children with Intellectual Disabilities and their Families

    https://www.parentsplus.ie/wp/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Research-Intellect-Disabil-2023-McMahon-Parents-Plus-parenting-programme-for-parents-of-adolescents-with-intellectual.pdf

    Cherie Tyner and Ciara Ni Raghallaigh presenting to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Disability Matters.

    https://www.parentsplus.ie/news/parents-plus-present-to-the-joint-committee-on-disability-matters

    Learn about our information session with Family Carers Ireland.

    https://www.parentsplus.ie/news/are-you-the-parent-of-a-young-person-with-additional-support-needs/

    EASPD Knowledge Café featuring our Special needs Programme.

    https://www.parentsplus.ie/news/knowledge-cafe-supporting-parents-of-adolescents-and-young-people-with-intellectual-disabilities/

    The Parents Plus Special Needs Programme at the What Works Festival of Learning. https://www.parentsplus.ie/news/the-parents-plus-special-needs-programme-at-the-what-works-festival-of-learning/

    Why Choose to Train in The Parents Plus Special Needs Programme?

    Professionals working in the field of intellectual disability understand the unique challenges and complexities involved in supporting children and families. The Special Needs Programme Training for Professionals. Below, we will explore the compelling reasons why professionals should consider engaging in this valuable training opportunity.

    1. Evidence-Based Approach: The Special Needs Programme Training for Professionals is rooted in evidence-based practices, ensuring that professionals gain access to the most effective strategies and interventions in the field of special needs. The program incorporates the latest research and expertise, providing professionals with a solid foundation to enhance their practice and positively impact the lives of children and families they work with.
    1. Comprehensive Skill Development: Through the training program, professionals have the opportunity to develop a wide range of essential skills. These skills include effective communication techniques, relationship-building strategies, behavior management approaches, and empowering parents to become advocates for their children. By honing these skills, professionals can create a supportive and collaborative environment that maximizes positive outcomes for children with special needs.
    1. Practical and Solution-Focused Approach: The Parents Plus Special Needs Programme emphasizes a practical and solution-focused approach that professionals can readily apply in their work. Professionals will learn practical strategies and interventions that address common challenges faced by children with special needs and their families. By focusing on strengths and building on existing resources, professionals can help families develop practical solutions tailored to their unique circumstances.
    1. Collaboration and Networking Opportunities: Engaging in the Special Needs Programme Training for Professionals opens doors to collaboration and networking opportunities. Professionals from various backgrounds and disciplines come together to learn and share experiences. This collaborative environment fosters peer support, knowledge exchange, and the potential for future professional partnerships, creating a community of professionals dedicated to improving the lives of children with special needs.
    1. Accreditation and Professional Development: Successful completion of the Special Needs Programme Training for Professionals grants participants accreditation as a Parents Plus Special Needs Programme facilitator. This accreditation serves as a recognized credential, validating the professional’s expertise and commitment to delivering high-quality interventions. Additionally, the training program contributes to ongoing professional development, ensuring professionals stay up to date with the latest best practices and advancements in the field.

    The Parents Plus Special Needs Programme Training for Professionals offers a valuable opportunity for professionals working with children and families with an intellectual disability to enhance their skills, knowledge, and practice. With an evidence-based and practical approach, the program equips professionals with the tools and strategies necessary to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the families they serve.

    By engaging in this training, professionals can strengthen their professional practice, contribute to positive outcomes for children with special needs, and foster collaborative partnerships within the professional community.

    Navigating the intersection of an intellectual disability and adolescence can be a challenging journey for families. At Parents Plus, we are committed to providing support and resources that address these challenges head-on.

    learn more about this unique training programme below –

    Learn More

  • The Parents Plus Special Needs Programme at the What Works Festival of Learning

    The Parents Plus Special Needs Programme at the What Works Festival of Learning

    Monday 21st of November saw the opening of the Festival of Learning from What Works Ireland and we were honoured to be asked to join the panel of experts and share the story of our first in-the-world Special Needs Programme.

    Roderic O’Gorman TD, Minister for Children, Disability, Equality, Integration and Youth, opened the 3-day event explaining that this “is an opportunity to share knowledge and best practices for prevention and early intervention and a way to identify more effective and efficient ways to maximise impact ensuring better outcomes for children & young people living in Ireland”

    The Festival aims to put a spotlight on prevention and early intervention in policy and services for children and young people, by showcasing good practices, expertise from Ireland and other countries and new developments.

    The Festival is an initiative of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, supported through the Dormant Accounts Fund. The Department is working with the Centre for Effective Services (CES) to plan and organise the events.  This year the theme is ‘Partners in Prevention’ with a focus on partnership and collaboration in prevention and early intervention.

    The event panel included Ian Power from @SpunOut who spoke about the huge opportunities ahead but also the “need to identify what are the enablers that can unlock them”.

    Catherine O’Donaohue, National Parenting Lead, Prevention, Partnership & Family Support @tusla was also on the panel and echoed these sentiments stating “We need innovation we need development”. 

    The keynote speaker was Hanna Vseviov, Deputy Secretary General, of Social Affairs, Estonia. Hannah explained how the Estonian government identified and addressed the challenges it faced when it came to “specific problems such as children with intellectual and physical disabilities”. Adding that “this is now part of our action plan for the Child Guarantee”.

    Hanna also communicated that “Crisis’ are here to stay” so governments, NGOs and service providers “need to be prepared for totally new target groups who appear in crisis”

    Our very own Ciara Ni Raghallaigh, Special Needs Programme Coordinator and Niamh Kerrigan, Parent and Special Needs Programme Facilitator were both in the panel to speak about our programme for young children and teens with intellectual disabilities and the impact of this groundbreaking programme.

    Ciara explained to the in-person audience and those tuning in online how “all our programmes draw on the parent’s experience” and spoke at length about the power of group and peer-to-peer work.


    The Special Needs Programme was developed in consultation with 97 parents who participated in focus groups and a large randomised controlled trial involving 277 parents. About the programme title, Ciara said “we felt it was only correct to allow these 374 parents to name the programme. They unanimously chose this title”.

    Niamh Kerrigan told us about her journey from a parent of her daughter Lauren to Special Needs Programme Facilitator. She told the audience about how she was “stuck in limbo” and that the programme was the first time she sat down with parents like her and explained, “that’s where the power is”.

    The festival includes several virtual events over three days which focused on partnerships in policy and partnerships in practice. Contributors will share thinking and experience from their work in government departments, state agencies, and international and community organisations.

    You can find details of all speakers and learn more about the Festival of Learning on the What Works website below.
    https://whatworks.gov.ie/festival-of-learning-2022/