April 21 COMMUNICATION AND BEHAVIOUR: EXPLORING THE LINK

The I Can annual conference at The Institute of Education, London WC1, will explore practical ways to work with young people with a communication disability and behavioural, emotional and social difficulties. Speakers include: Professor James Law, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh; Kate Ripley, Hampshire educational psychology service; and Dr Judy Clegg, Sheffield University. Fee: pound;99.

Tel: 0845 225 4071; www.ican.org.uk

From April 26 DOWN’S SYNDROME CONFERENCES

The Down’s Syndrome Association is holding a primary conference in Maidstone, May 4; Bristol, November 4; and Leeds, November 16. Secondary conferences will be held in Derby, April 26; Birmingham, October 5; and Southampton, October 12. A conference for parents and professionals on sexuality and relationships takes place in Liverpool, September 26.

Tel: 0845 2300372; www.downs-syndrome.org.uk

April and June MOBILITY ROADSHOWS AND COMPETITION

As part of National Young Disabled Person’s Day on June 8, the Mobility Roadshow is running the Ready, Willing and Mobile competition until April 30. It seeks bright ideas from children aged 7-14 that will help disabled children integrate into everyday life at school and at home. The winner receives a digital camera, Harper Collins books, a Calvert Trust activity weekend and a VIP visit to the Mobility Roadshow, plus pound;1,000-worth of school equipment. The free roadshows take place near Edinburgh Airport, April 5-6, and at Kemble Airfield, Swindon, June 9-10.

www.mobilityroadshow.co.uk

May 22-23 SPECIAL NEEDS NORTH

The exhibition and seminar programme, Special Needs North, will be held at Reebok Stadium, Bolton. It includes Inclusive Technology’s SpecialneedsIT assistive technology display and free How-IT-Works seminars.

Free registration at www.teachingexhibitions.co.uk

June 16 OSIRIS CONFERENCE

Tricia Barthorpe, Lindsay Peer, Fintan O’Regan and Rona Tutt will be speaking at this special educational needs conference in London. Fee: pound;245 plus VAT (includes conference file).

Freephone: 0808 1605160; www.osiriseducational.co.uk

TELEVISION

BBC2 SOMETHING SPECIAL March 9, 16, 23, 30; 10.45-11am

Programmes for ages 5-7 to help children communicate and develop language.

Presenter Justin Fletcher leads children in songs and rhymes around familiar themes, and children, teachers, parents and carers learn Makaton along the way.

THE CHAT ROOM

These programmes for ages 7-11 feature thought-provoking stories and documentaries relating to people with learning difficulties, which are debated by a group of young people. They include: Bullying, March 10; 11.30-11.50am, in which Andrew, who has a learning disability, describes his experiences of being bullied; and Self-esteem, March 17; 11.30-11.50am, a positive look at inclusion, showing how making friends can be difficult for people with a disability.

Teachers’ TV

All programmes can be viewed and downloaded following transmission at www.teachers.tv. There is also a searchable online library with additional resources at www.teachers.tvsearchArchive.do

A STRANGER IN THE FAMILY March 13; 8pm

A look at a special school in Sydney - based on a Canadian model - that is maintained by parents. Three families are followed for a year as they come to terms with autism and strive to help their children make a breakthrough.

BLACK BOYS - SCHOOL MATTERS March 14; 8pm

Three schools in Hackney tackle the problem of underachievement among black boys. Colvestone primary gets to grips with disaffection early and teaches basic behavioural skills. Copland secondary has black teachers who are effective role models, and parental involvement is encouraged. At Forest Hill secondary, black boys develop their learning, thinking and communication skills from spending time on their own and in a group.

PRIMARY SPECIAL NEEDS: HEARING IMPAIRMENT April 4; 3pm

A profile of Rosie, who attends Willingdon primary in Eastbourne, a mainstream school with a hearing support facility. Rosie’s teacher, who is newly qualified, has recently completed a deaf awareness course, but is still learning to accommodate a deaf child in his classroom. He moves around too much while speaking, and sometimes forgets to keep his radio aid switched on. Without her signing teaching assistant, Rosie would be lost.

Contributions to the diary should be sent to SNExtra@tes.co.uk