Local Area Co-ordinators Transition Support
The Local Area Co-ordinators (LACs) are here to offer 1:1 support East Dunbartonshire Council residents who are over the age of 14 and with a diagnosis of autism and/or mild learning disability.
They can also offer informal signposting and advice to parents and carers, those under 14, or those who are awaiting diagnosis.
The LACs get to know the person on an individual basis and develop a personalised plan to support them to work towards achieving some of their ambitions and goals. This could include things like: finding new hobbies or social opportunities, accessing local services, finding further education, volunteering or preparing for employment.
The LAC team can be particularly useful for those preparing for transition from secondary school by being a consistent support to the person and their families when they try to navigate what comes next for them.
Some key areas that the LAC team can offer support with at transition time include:
- Identifying suitable college courses
- Support writing bursary applications
- Visits to look at college campuses
- Applying to the Independent Living Fund
- Getting a bus pass
- Liaising with college/university/work to request that reasonable adjustments are made
- Information to prepare for independent travel
- Looking at other options available if college is not the next step
- Finding volunteering or social groups
- Looking at other vocational courses
- Determining if the person could access any benefits
- Parental support – someone to contact if you have any questions.
If you would like more information or to refer someone to the service, please contact the team at LACs@easdunbarton.gov.uk