"My child might be a little different from the other kids around."
"I don't know where to consult about the unique worries of raising a child with disabilities."
When raising a child with developmental concerns or disabilities, there are worries that cannot be discussed with friends and others around you.
In such cases, the Kurashiki City Comprehensive Development Consultation Center "Yumepalu" is a place that conducts consultations on child development and introduces related institutions for therapy.
When and how can you use it?
What kind of activities are usually conducted?
I would like to introduce the Kurashiki City Comprehensive Development Consultation Center "Yumepalu," not only for families raising children with disabilities but also for those who have someone close raising a child with developmental concerns, and for those who will be having and raising children in the future.
What is the Kurashiki City Comprehensive Development Consultation Center "Yumepalu"?
The Kurashiki City Comprehensive Development Consultation Center "Yumepalu" (hereinafter referred to as "Yumepalu") is a consultation institution operated by the Kurashiki City Health and Welfare Bureau, located on the first floor of the Kurashiki Health and Welfare Plaza in Sasao, Kurashiki City.
The target of consultations is parents raising children with disabilities or suspected disabilities aged from infancy to under 18 years old. There is no need to possess various disability certificates or therapy certificates, or certificates for "Child Development Support" or "After-School Day Services" at the time of the first consultation.
The center is open from Tuesday to Saturday, and consultations are by appointment only, so please make a reservation by phone or through the electronic application service before visiting for a consultation.
Services Available at Yumepalu
The target of consultations at Yumepalu is parents raising children with disabilities or suspected disabilities. A comprehensive development consultation center specializing in parent support is very rare in the country.
Here are the services provided at Yumepalu.
- Consistent support from consultants
Support is provided in collaboration with related institutions such as the Board of Education, Disability Support Centers, and Employment and Life Support Centers during key times such as school enrollment and advancement until the child turns 18. - Information provision regarding child development
Information related to the growth of children, such as developmental support projects and consultation institutions, and welfare services, is provided. - Building collaboration among various institutions related to children
Support for collaboration among various institutions related to children within Kurashiki City is provided.
Thus, a significant feature is the smooth collaboration with both administrative and private institutions.
Applications for beneficiary certificates to use welfare services can also be made at Yumepalu.
The process for parents to understand their child's disabilities and accept them as they are is not something that can be resolved by obtaining beneficiary certificates or various disability certificates. As children grow, they may compare themselves to other children, and during school enrollment or advancement, they may face challenges that cause them to feel down again, presenting various issues like waves.
Therefore, having consistent consultation support until the child turns 18, in collaboration with therapy institutions, is a significant support for parents.
For individuals with developmental disabilities aged 18 and over, support will transition to the Kurashiki Developmental Disability Support Center.
Parent Support Provided at Yumepalu
In addition to individual parenting consultations provided by consultants, various events organized by Yumepalu are also held regularly.
- Skip Time
A parenting space for parents and children who have anxieties about parenting or are waiting for necessary therapy. - Parent Study Sessions for School Enrollment of Children with Disabilities
- World Autism Awareness Day Blue Light Up (April 2 every year)
- Pal Cafe
A course where parents write about their child's growth and learning in a "Shining Notebook." - Karugamo Camp for Parents and Children with Disabilities
A day camp for children with disabilities in grades 1 to 4 and their parents. - Fagiano Okayama Near the Pitch
An event where you can observe the pitch's grass. - Yumepalu Newsletter
Email magazine.
Participation in events organized by Yumepalu is for parents who have concerns about their child's disabilities or development. It provides a place to obtain information that is more necessary than usual parenting, such as school enrollment and how to utilize local welfare services, and also serves as a venue for parents of children with disabilities or developmental concerns within Kurashiki City to meet each other.
Examples of Consultations at Yumepalu
Even if you say "I have concerns about development," don't you worry, "Is it okay to consult about my level of worries?"
The content of consultations at Yumepalu is often related to therapy, welfare services, and beneficiary certificates. This naturally includes consultations from families receiving ongoing support.
Next, the most common concerns are related to school life (kindergarten life), parenting anxiety, and family life. Examples of consultations include:
- "My spouse and I have different opinions on parenting."
- "What will happen to my child's future?"
- "I feel overwhelmed by the stress of parenting."
At Yumepalu, staff with specialized knowledge such as psychologists and nursery teachers respond to consultations.
It is a place where you can consult easily, so why not give them a call instead of worrying about parenting alone?
We interviewed Kikuko Akagi, the director of Yumepalu, about her thoughts while providing consultation support at Yumepalu.
Data on Kurashiki City Comprehensive Development Consultation Center Yumepalu
| Name | Kurashiki City Comprehensive Development Consultation Center Yumepalu |
|---|---|
| Address | 180 Sasao, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, 1st floor, Kurashiki Health and Welfare Plaza, Window 7 |
| Contact | 086-434-9882 |
| Website | Kurashiki City Comprehensive Development Consultation Center |
