UICC World Cancer Congress 2006

To design, publish and distribute a resource for teachers, youth workers and school nurses which would enable them to better communicate key cancer prevention messages with young people who have a learning disability.

Methods:

There were 3 stages to the development of this resource.

1.During June/July and August 2005 an advisory panel was identified to inform the development of the resource. As project co-ordinator I chaired these panel discussions and proceeded to work in collaboration with a smaller body of learning disability consultants on collating the information to be contained in the resource.

2. Once in draft format the resource was piloted both with young people themselves and also with those professionals who would be using the resource.

3. The resource was then printed and distributed to all special needs schools in Northern Ireland along with a declaration of support from the Ulster Cancer Foundation and CEA (Curriculum Education Authority) helping to deliver any aspect of the information found within the resource.

Results:

Extremely positive feedback has been given from all schools. Currently CEA are investigating the feasibility of mass-producing the resource enabling schools to have more than one copy of the resource. Some interesting quotes..."It was fabulous not having to spend time adapting a mainstream resource which is what we would have previously had to do. I just picked it up and started using it". "The young people really enjoyed the CD ROMs included in the resource, it was a real treat for them but they have also learned so much".