The Xchange is dedicated to improving communication and information for families with children who are disabled across the Dorset Council area. It's part of our Local Offer for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The information and news in The Xchange comes from a range of sources like:
- local family information services, including the Dorset Family Information Service
- other websites
- providers who work with families
- professionals
- Dorset Parent Carer Council (DPCC)
- families themselves
Joining The Xchange
Being a member of The Xchange won't cost you anything. You can join us if:
- you are the parent or carer of a child who is disabled. This means that your child has a 'physical or mental impairment and the impairment has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on his or her ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities' (The Equality Act 2010)
- the main residence of both you and your child is with the Dorset Council area (excluding the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area)
- your child is under 19 years of age
Xchange member benefits for parents and carers include:
- a Dorset Max Card for your child which gives you discounts for venues and events
- a carer's discount card for you
- email updates with important news and information
- online Dorset Short Breaks Care Passport
- opportunities to have your say on SEND services
Joining or leaving The Xchange does not affect your entitlement to services such as health and social care. You can:
- unsubscribe from the Xchange newsletter if you want to without losing your Dorset Max Card
- ask to update your details in The Xchange at any time
- ask to leave The Xchange at any time
- ask us to remove your details from our records
- read The Xchange privacy notice
Information we need to help create better services
Your application form for The Xchange automatically provides us with details to keep a record of children in our area who are disabled. This is a government requirement.
The record means you're helping us to:
- know more about the needs of children who are disabled and their families across Dorset
- have clearer information on where services and resources need to be allocated
As a member of The Xchange we may contact you to ask for your help to provide other useful information we need, for example through surveys or asking for your feedback. Of course, it's optional for you to respond.