Jackie has a background in occupational therapy and has worked for many years with children with additional needs including physical disability, learning disability and children with mental health issues. She has worked in clinics and hospital settings as well as for a local authority recommending aids, equipment and adaptations for children and young people with any type of additional need requiring modifications to their home or school environments. Jackie worked as a disability adviser in the voluntary sector for a number of years and has previously worked for a large national disabled children’s charity covering the Midlands area. She supported parents and facilitated workshops on various topics such as sleep and behaviour. Jackie has substantial experience of completing DLA and PIP application forms for children and young people aged 0-25 and she is able to advise on unsuccessful benefit applications which have either been refused or downgraded. Jackie is able to support parents to navigate their way through the complex appeals system which most parents naturally find quite daunting as well as off putting. As well as having a sound awareness of disability benefits for children and young people, Jackie is very knowledgeable about where to find information on other local and national charities which may be able to provide additional financial assistance towards essential items at home such as white goods, holidays, iPad etc