HSE West North West Hosts Children’s Disability Network Team Conference in Sligo

The 3^rd of December 2024 was International Day of People with Disabilities. To mark this day, an inaugural conference was held by the Children’s Disability Network Teams (CDNTs) for the in Sligo/South Donegal and Leitrim/West Cavan Community Healthcare Network areas.

The conference was held in the Sligo Park Hotel, attended by parents whose children are in receipt of children's disability services in Sligo, South Donegal, Leitrim and West Cavan as well as by staff from local schools and CDNT staff. This conference was arranged at the request of parents through the Sligo/South Donegal CDNT’s Family Forum. Family Forum Parent Representatives identified a number of topics for the conference that would be of interest to parents and guest speakers with expertise and specialist knowledge on the topic areas were identified and asked to present at the conference.

Speakers at the conference included:

• Jude Morrow, an accomplished autistic author who has published books including “The Secret”. His writings offer invaluable insights and guidance for parents, teachers and professionals, including nurturing a kinder mindset towards autistic individuals of all ages.
• Dr. Helena Lydon, Chartered Behavioural Psychologist, whose research has focused on behavioral interventions to support individuals with intellectual disabilities and autistic individuals to address challenges with sleeping, feeding and pain.
• Dr Ken Kerr, Chartered Behavioural Psychologist, who has published nationally and internationally on areas of behaviour support, parental support and rights-based approaches to supporting individuals with intellectual disability and autism.
• Banu Balaji, Occupational Therapist, and who has a Master’s degree in Psychosocial Rehabilitation, has over two decades of experience working in the HSE, specialising in working with children and families within the realm of child and adolescent mental health.

A number of providers also provided information stands at the conference which provided parents with the opportunity to discuss with providers the services they provide including what toys, equipment and products are available to enhance their children’s intervention programmes.   

The Sligo/South Donegal CDNT is based in Nazareth House in Sligo whilst the Leitrim/West Cavan CDNT is based in Carrick-on-shannon. The CDNTs deliver therapeutic and support services to children and young people who present with complex disabilities and require a number of different disciplines working closely together to help the child. CDNT services are for 0 to 18 year olds and use a goal focused, family centered practice approach. 

According to Mary Durcan, Children’s Disability Network Manager for the Sligo/South Donegal CDNT, “This conference was organised to provide information, support and guidance to parents on a broad range of topics such as neurodiversity, sleep, behavior and sensory integration.  It also gives parents the opportunity to network and socialise in a positive setting.”

Edel Quinn, Head of Service for Disabilities, Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, Sligo said “This inaugural conference is a wonderful opportunity to share knowledge and experience with both parents and staff.  I hope all in attendance will gain valuable insight and learning into how best to support children with complex disabilities that avail of CDNT services.”