Within This Issue
Transition, far from being a once in a life time fixed event is an ongoing series of changes that occur throughout life. From home to school, class to class, the move to “big school”, college, adulthood, a place to live, relationships and the ultimate transition of end of life care; we all pass through many transitions in our lives. What unites them all is that each create challenges as well as exciting opportunities. For people with PMLD, the navigation though often bewildering and emotionally demanding times of transition can be particularly challenging.
Approaching the task of editing this issue has had many similarities with issues faced by anyone approaching transition. There has been lots of information to find out, but it has been hard to track down and, once found, potentially confusing. There have been encouraging tales of good practice, and yet growing despondency as the reality of cuts to services and diminishing resources hits home. The gap between research findings and policy promises seems as wide as ever and if anything widening. For those with the good fortune of a well informed and empowered parent or carer and good use of local resources, there are amazing stories of what can be achieved but there are far too many examples of potential unfulfilled lives or worse. There are many new opportunities that should be available as the result of new legislation such as the Children and Families Act 2014 and the Care Act 2014. Maybe we should plan another transition issue in five years to review the impact?
