The Xchange website for families of children who are disabled
Interactive news and information network for children who are disabled and their families.
It was launched in May 2010 responding to requests from families of children and young people who are disabled to receive more information. It is a one stop resource for families developed in consultation with families and jointly between Dorset County Council and Bournemouth and Poole unitary authorities.
Why is it called The Xchange?
The scheme is all about 'exchanging' news and information
Information and news that is needed by families
Information needed by local authorities to help them create better services for families
Benefits
Apart from access to information a whole range of topics that parents have asked for, the most immediate benefits of joining is receiving The Dorset Max Card and an application for the Dorset Carers in Crisis emergency card
Membership
Membership of The Xchange is completely free. You can join if:
1.you are the parent/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), and
2.the main residence of both you and your child is within Dorset, Bournemouth or Poole, and
3.your child is under 19 years of age
How to join
Online
The quickest and easiest way to join is online at the
Xchange website (opens in a new window) 
. Once fully signed up you will be able to use all the site facilities including the Forums and creating a Care Passport for your child.
Paper application form
If you do not want to use the internet you can join by printing off and filling in a
paper application (pdf, 352kb) (opens in a new window) form and sending it in. Over 300 members have already joined this way.
Further information
For further information, please see
The Xchange Leaflet 14-03-12 (pdf, 616kb) (opens in a new window)
If you have any other questions, please contact the Xchange Administrator on 01305 224523 or by email at theXchange@dorsetcc.gov.uk
