dates for your diary...

by Douglas Silas, specialist SEN solicitor

---

Here is my update for this week.

It’s been a bit of a slow week for SEN news I am afraid. So, as I know that people sometimes rely on my SEN updates to keep abreast of forthcoming SEN events and, as nearly all of them in the past few months and those in the next few months have had to be rearranged, I thought it may be helpful for me to give you some information about these this week.

I hope that this helps people again

---

1.    What has happened this week?

As you may recall, the Naidex exhibition which focuses on disability and which was due to be held at Birmingham NEC in March, is now due to be taking place on 9-10 November 2020. Their website states: “Naidex is Europe’s largest and most inclusive event for the independent living community. Naidex is for all! We welcome everyone who is living with health conditions or impairments, as well as anyone caring for or supplying to this community.”  
 
READ MORE

---

The next thing that I want to draw you attention to it The Autism Show, which was due to take place at Excel in London, the NEC in Birmingham and at EventCity in Manchester, in June 2020. It is now due to be taking place at the same venues, but in a slightly different order this time on 20-21 November at EventCity in Manchester on 4-5 December at Excel in London and at the NEC in Birmingham on 11-12 December 2020. Their website states: “If you’re looking for information and direction pre or post diagnosis, are facing daily challenges, or approaching significant transition points, then The Autism Show can help you.”
 
READ MORE

---

The third thing that I want to highlight this week is the TES SEN show, whose London show usually takes place in October every year and who were, for the first time, going to also hold a North show in April in Manchester. However, they have only rescheduled (as far as I can see) to again only hold a London show at the Business Design Centre on 8-9 January 2021 Their website states: “Visit the UK's leading special educational needs (SEN) show on 8 - 9 January 2021 and discover the tools, resources and support to empower young learners with SEN.”
 
READ MORE

---

2. What does all of this mean?

I know that a lot of people are nervous still about going to exhibitions again and I am sure that the organisers of all these events have put in place as many facilities and precautions as possible, to make everything as safes as can be. In fact, the Naidex website actually states:
 
“We have been working closely with all event industry stakeholders developing an industry-wide ‘All Secure Standard’ alongside the UK government that will allow organised industry gatherings take place again. Through the four key cornerstones we will ensure our visitors, exhibitors, and colleagues, are protected whilst making events high-quality and productive experiences.”
 
However, please do not feel under any pressure to go to these events if you do not feel able or ready to. Your health and the health of your loved ones around you always comes first…

---

3.    Where can I find further information?
Aside from clicking on the relevant links for more information, I would again remind you of the very useful resources and information provided on the following websites:
 
- IPSEA
- Council for Disabled Children
- Contact
- Scope  
- Special Needs Jungle
 
I would also highlight again the fact that you can now get digital copies of the magazines: SEN Magazine and Autism Eye which are both very helpful to any parents or professionals involved with children/young people with SEN.

Keep safe until next week.

With best wishes
 
Douglas

P.S I understand that there are a number of educational or other useful resources now on the web - I would be very grateful if you could let me know of any that people are finding useful, so that I can direct others to them.

P.P.S.  I also want to highlight again the fact that there are currently a lot of scams out there, both online and through texts/WhatsApps. Please be extremely careful and help yourself and others not to become victims. You can learn more at: www.FriendsAgainstScams.org.uk.