Support for children with disabilities and their parents

The Children Affected by Disabilities Team (CHAD) offers specialist support to children and families affected by disability. The kind of help we offer includes:

a meeting with you and your family to find out what support would help your child to lead as normal a life as possible
general advice and information on care services, support at home, respite care, adaptations, special equipment and more
information about benefits and support with applications
information about activities and other social opportunities in the community.

With your agreement, we may need to speak to others such as your family doctor or your child's teacher. You are welcome to attend any meetings that may be held about your child.

Who is it for?

We can offer support to families where a child has:

physical disabilities
learning disabilities
sensory impairment
autism
life-limiting and long-term illness.

How do I get a service?

Please contact the team directly as follows:

Children Affected by Disabilities Team
10/12 Gala Park
Galashiels TD1 1EU
Tel: 01896 661880

We will do our best to to answer any questions you have. If you wish we can arrange to meet you, your child, and other family members at a time and place suitable for you. When we meet, you can tell us what support you think you need for your child. We will give you more information about the kind of help we may be able to offer. We realise it may be difficult for you to discuss your situation with us and we will do our best to make it as easy as possible for you - everything you tell us will be held in confidence.

We try to help as many families as we can but the Council has a limited amount of money available for services. We will do our best to provide you with the support you need within our limited funds.

You can also contact your local Social Work office for more information.

What kind of support is provided?

The support offered will vary depending on your family's needs. The kind of help on may include:

day care for children
home care - domestic and personal care
occupational therapy
respite care, residential or family-based breaks
information, advice and emotional support.

More information

Borders Ability Equipment Service
This service provides a range of equipment to children and adults who are aiming to maximise their independence and mobility.
Occupational Therapy Service
Occupational Therapists may be able to help your child to keep their independence, or if their safety, physical and mental well-being are being affected. They can also offer assistance to friends and family who are caring for a child.