Willen Lake

Well, well, well, Willen Lake has really improved.

There is an new area where you access the water sports which has a Changing Places facility, a cafe, viewing balcony, so much. The Changing Places toilet was spotlessly clean and well resourced. Unfortunately the radar key does not work for the lock and you have to go to the reception area to get the ‘green’ key. When I enquired about this it was explained to me that the facility cost £100k to install (wow) and it has been misused and vandalised several times so the staff keep the key. How sad that people cannot respect property which enables the moist vulnerable people in society to have their personal care needs met with dignity and respect. This facility enables people to spend the whole day out, rather than having to dash home to goto the toilet or, even worse, have to lay on a toilet floor to have their care needs met.

It was slightly awkward when I left the Changing Places with a child to discover a member of staff had been waiting outside to lock up after we left and must have heard me singing to the child and posing in the mirror for a thumbs up photo - oh dear……..

There is not much shade at Willen Lake - because it’s a lake - but it is worth remembering if you’re taking someone who burns in the sun. I tended to stop every 30 mins and re-apply sun lotion. I can’t imagine that was too annoying……. One lady I supported kept walking to a bench and sitting down and then signing ‘tea’. When she felt I was not responding quickly enough she temporarily reinstated her fear of dogs - but not over the happy small dog pulling on the lead. Oh no. She decided to develop a ‘fear’ of two ancient, grey, black labradors who were sitting calmly watching her. The shame. I did point this out to her but she was adamant these placid and calm dogs were terrifying……once back in the car she instantly forgot all about her ‘fear’. Funny that.

The new water sports building has a cafe, the splash park does too and there are various fast food stalls and ice-cream vans dotted around. The pub on site is called The Lakeside. A member of staff called Lucy served us. She. Was. Amazing. You know some people ‘get it’ - well, she did. When I booked the table I put in the ‘special requirements’ box that one member of the group had additional needs/autism and would benefit, if possible, from a quieter table. Our allocated table was beautifully stuck between a table with a crying baby and another table with two children shouting. Lucy, instead, opened up the third section of the restaurant and we were part of it all but on the edge - how thoughtful. When it came to ordering, instead of queuing up at the bar as I was about to, Lucy ushered us back to our seats and took our order. It’s the small things that count and I am so appreciative of the fabulous Lucy - thank you! As a result the lady I was supporting ate all her dinner because she was calm.

Willen Lake has its own big wheel - I do not think it’s wheelchair accessible and the mobile person I was supporting, refused to get on it, so I’ve no idea what it is like……

Outside the Water Sports Venue is an accessible park with a roundabout that is suitable for wheelchairs. This is great to see and was used by us and lots of much younger children who were loving it too. There is a bucket swing which one child I support really loves, but it takes 3 people to get them in the swing; one to lift the child and two to hold the swing firm. And then there is the ‘getting out’ process……

Basically its a great day out which you can make as cheap or expensive as you want. The only thing I would say is parking is around £4.00 for 4 hours and this includes blue badge holders. The car park is quite small so getting there early is definitely better.

Have a lovely Bank Holiday!

Bedford Cat Cafe

A couple of weeks ago I dragged my best friend off to the Cat Cafe in Bedford to see what it was like and how accessible it is for the children I support.

I can’t lie; there were a LOT of rules and I mean a LOT. The rules were to ensure the animals were kept safe and everyone conducted themselves in line with the animal’s needs. However they were emailed to me, then re-emailed and then, once you arrive at your pre-arranged time, you are kept in the reception space (between two door ways which are both locked) and they are gone through again………. However once inside the cafe is amazingly clean. I can’t lie; I thought it was going to be a cat hair hell. But it was nothing of the sort. It was immaculate and lots of the cats were long-haired. With hindsight, I should have asked for top tips as I struggle with Saffy’s short hair in my little house ;-)

One of the (many) rules was that you can buy food from the cafe but it cannot be offered to the cats and if you move away form your table you need to use the food covers (which they provide). I decided to not eat and instead opted for my favourite; the cappucino. The chocolate dusting on the top was in paw print shapes. Well that was it for me; I loved it at the cat cafe. Ha ha ha. My friend ordered a tea and the little dish for the tea bag had a cat in it. It was adorable.

Cats have been proven to support people’s wellbeing and reduce the risk of stroke. This is why lots of older people’s homes and supported facilities have cats. With this in mind I wanted to explore what the cafe felt like for the children I support. The cats were very calming and some of the children there appeared to enjoy playing with the toys, which the cats enjoyed. There was a strange busy and calmness to the cafe. With this in mind, I’ve decided to take one of the children there in September. The child has profound and multiple learning/physical disabilities with a sensory impairment to see what she thinks of the cafe - so watch this space!

How adorable id this cappuccino with paw print chocolate dusting

The tea bag dish - how cute!

I’m famous! Oh. Hang on. The cats are famous……I’m just in the way

I'm still moaning about the heat (but I'll stop soon - promise)

Wow! What a scorcher of a week it has been. So hot and sticky. My creativity was zapped and my ability to keep going was greatly challenged by the heat. However, it’s cooler this week so I should be back to firing on all cylinders…..that’s the plan anyway ;-)

Last week was hot so it was all about finding air-conditioned venues and keeping very vulnerable children cool and calm. At one point I found myself sheltering in McDonald’s as the plumber was in my house and had the heating on FULL - awful! But the children have been amazing - lots of ice-cream, fans, drinks and water play. Plus the compulsory car-selfie - goes without saying really doesn't it.

I have completed my Communication & Interaction workshops with Luton now. I think they have been taken well by those that attended. Lots of practitioners did not attend which was a shame but those who did were great and so involved and motivated. I think the opportunity to meet face-to-face and do activities which were practical rather than IT based where a breath of fresh air to practitioners……everything is becoming too ‘meet on teams’ or ‘meet on zoom’ so being away from this was really positive.

Apart from this - my week has been tiring and I’m focusing on work/life balance (something I really struggle with). This week I intend to have more ‘life’ :-)

Stay cool!

The classic car-selfie! But on my goodness, look at my roots - scary!

The last venue for my Communication & Interaction workshops - the pink trolley had to make a feature - obviously.

S, with her slinky, having an aromatherapy massage - the smell was amazing!

The only reason we had a McFlurry at 10am was to combat the heat - honestly……… ;-)

A busy week and it's getting hotter (again)

Last week I supported an amazing young person and her family to go to Grove Farm PYO (Pick Your Own). We had plans to pick strawberries and then, me being me, had visions of exploring the fruit with our hands and feet, making smoothies, printing with them and many many more ideas. However. There were no strawberries!! So we settled for blackberries instead.

The PYO is an amazing sensory experience although the wheelchair took a beating over the very uneven ground. Luckily A was wedged into her moulded chair so the shaking was kept to a minimum. We also ensured she looked very trendy in her sunglasses. Being outside in the fresh air is so incredible and beneficial to everyone - especially people who have to spend a lot of time inside due to their complex health needs.

So, in a nut shell, the PYO is a great activity; cheap and accessible. We loved not and will be back!

I had a great time in the Council Chambers this week. I facilitated my Communication and Interaction Workshops to staff at Luton Council. One workshop had 4 staff plus me in the huge council chambers - it was definitely the best place I’ve ever lead a training session that’s for sure. The staff I have met have been amazing; full of passion, dedication and humour. As you know, I can be inappropriate but only for a laugh as I am actually very square and really dedicated to the voice of the disabled child being heard and actioned.

I’ve developed a 2 hour Communication & Interaction session for staff supporting children with SEND/trauma which incorporates a practical approach to objects, symbols and signs. I’m hoping to develop this further and then offer it out to providers as part of their CPD.

I’ve managed to get a good copy of the book “Peace at Last'“ by Jill Murphy. As a child I loved this book and my original copy is held together with love and luck so I’ve been looking for a copy to make into a social story for work. I managed to bag this copy for £1.00 at the seaside. It was outside a house and money was going to charity so I was thrilled to get a decent copy. I’m now busy planning the objects that are needed. I love making social stories……perhaps I should film them for my YouTube channel? Anyway……..that’s for another time.

Have a great week! It’s going to be a hot one so remember the stay hydrated, apply sun-lotion and ice-cream counts as fruit when the temperature is over 25 degrees…….honestly

Look at that amazing view at Grove Farm PYO - but no strawberries

Luton’s version of Trafagular Square with plenty of pigeons bathing and children being shouted at to ‘stop!’.

The poshest venue I’ve ever facilitated my Communication & Interaction Workshop

Yay! I’ve found a new copy for my sessions

Transition into adulthood - why is it so complicated?

I’m not really sure where I am going with this blog post, if I’m being totally honest. For those of you who know me, you know that in a previous life I worked in the transition process across education, health and social care for a local authority. I cared so much about this work and the voice of the young person with SEND to prepare for adulthood - both aspirationally and legally. I attended every ‘transition’ event and gave the same message for consistency and facts.

Yet……..

The topic of transitions still seems to cause confusion, a blank stare and panic. I’m guessing that for professionals it is because their work load is so great that they are simply trying to survive the day job……learning a new skill or yet another process (on the computer) is just pouring into an overflowing jug. Perhaps this is why families feel they do not know where to turn…….So much to think of. Are all local authority websites up to date and relevant…?

I’ve got so many questions and I’m not sure whether the answers are relevant or not…….at the end of the day, young people need to be heard, families need to feel supported and adult services need to stop being seen as bad…..they are different because the law is different for adults.

I’m heading out the door now so I’ll finish now but I feel that I could have written loads! I’ll do another normal blog soon - promise.

Take care

Sensory Play - beach at home

I am always looking for budget-friendly and accessible activities to stimulate the children with complex needs I support. Yesterday the sun was shining so it was an ideal time to ‘go to the beach’. You can use whatever you have laying around at home to create your beach. I used:

• A washing up bowl with some children’s play sand in it.

• A small paddling pool (I think it was £3.00 from The Works)

• Some balls from a ball-pool (I think these were from Poundland - a large bag for a couple of pounds - perfect!)

• A spray bottle with cold water.

• The sounds of the sea and seagulls (YouTube on my phone)

• A towel

• A bubble machine

The children had such a lovely and relaxing afternoon. It also meant I had time to grab a coffee and a sandwich as they were happy exploring the different textures. Always a bonus!

You can make the sand edible by using crackers (or similar) blended to a powder. You can add a bucket and spade or you could eat ice-cream or wear different sunglasses and hats……the list is endless. I like making a sensory beach as the options are endless.

Have a lovely summer!

C enjoying her feet being in the sand - we covered her feet and then added water. So many different textures to explore.

C put the towel on her lap and we played ‘peek-a-boo’. She loved the bubbles popping on her skin. Lots of giggles!

E loved sitting in the little paddling pool and playing with his toys - a great way to stay safe.

Changing Places Toilet Awareness Day 2022

I could write about this topic for hours - but I’ll save you that. I think my message is: equality and inclusion should include the toilet.

For those of you who have never heard of a Changing Places Toilet they are a toilet (goes without saying) but in a large room which also includes a changing bed and tracking hoist (hoist attached to the ceiling). These spaces are much bigger than a traditional disabled toilet and they support the needs of people who need hoisting or perhaps a bed to have their personal care needs met. There is enough space for the person needing the toilet, their mobility equipment and carers. They are a great resource but sadly there are still too few around. I suspect cost plays a part in this due to the equipment and its maintenance so you’d expect large organisations to lead the way. However I live near Whispnade Zoo and they sadly do not have one :-(

As I said, I could talk forever about the importance of being able to access the toilet but I’ll leave it there for now. Please support Changing Places Toilets by sharing information about them and highlighting their importance.

You see, I did well……..I didn’t go on for long at all (I think the fact it’s the hottest day in the UK every recorded is helping me be concise).

Next time you go to the toilet just stop and think about people who need support……..their opportunities are restricted because of an unmet basic need.

Take care

Hydration, hydration, hydration!

After severely abandoning my blog and website, I thought the summer would be a great time to re-start it and focus my energies. I dutifully put a diary reminder in my phone for every Monday to update the blog and write inspiring and informative pieces about the world of PMLD children and adults as well as those with SEND. Today is my first diary entry called ‘BLOG’. I wanted to write about creative and budget friendly activities you can do with your children and the adults you support to be engaged over the summer. I wanted to mention that tomorrow is CHANGING PLACES TOILET AWARENESS DAY. This is something I am so passionate about and will definitely come back to. I wanted to talk about my plans going forwards with my business as there are lots of changes afoot and I think 2023 is going to be interesting.

However

Its been nearly 40 degrees today. I’ve had 3 showers and contemplating a 4th. I’m bloated and uncomfortable from drinking so much water and I’ve only had 2 small wees. With all this in mind, my blog today is to stay hydrated and to remember that ice lollies are an amazing form of fluid.

Remember to look after each other and be kind to yourself - this heat is tough and self care is important, especially if you are caring for a vulnerable child or adult.

Take care x

Frozen fluid - enjoy!

January 2022

Well 2022 has arrived with a bang and has flown by and it is now the 2nd February. Where on earth has this month gone? With this in mind I thought I would provide an update on what I am up to and what I am working on at the moment…….

MAKATON

I am so happy to report that I’m really pushing my makaton skills this year. I am facilitating training sessions for a great bunch of staff at a local special needs school. Their enthusiasm is endless but they are not yet ready for formal workshops and have instead opted for bespoke sessions with a focus on their specific classes. We have been learning to read and sign '“Dear Zoo” together and “You’ve Got A Friend In Me” from Toy Story. I am looking to support staff to identify the key words to sign as well as signing fewer signs well is better than signing more words weakly. We are having lots of interesting discussions and doing all this over zoom……anyone else struggle with the zoom culture? I ask a question a lots of faces in boxes on my screen stare back, on mute. It is quite unnerving. Ha ha ha.

I am keen for all my local special schools and day providers to use makaton well. I am re-introducing it, accurately, into one school and starting with signing to music as a hook. We are having lots of conversations about translating songs versus interpreting songs. Makaton will interpret to support the individual to understand what is being communicated rather than a simple translation. This makes some songs very tricky and I have to say, I have failed, at signing. I am thinking specifically of “Ice Ice Baby” by Vanilla Ice.

SENSORY SESSIONS

I have come across an amazing little sensory space in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, called SENSORY MAGIC. It is owned and run by Ally who is an amazing lady with so much passion and knowledge for children and adults with learning disabilities. She has converted a room in her house as a sensory space which is inclusive and interactive. I have taken C there already and she loved it. She was relaxed and happy and loved exploring the different textures. This lead to her make some independent choices which was great to see.

I am taking S there soon to see if she likes it - watch this space!

WELLBEING

January has seen my wellbeing sessions focus on personal hygiene for some groups, consent and appropriateness for others. All this is linking to the peer-on-peer abuse work highlighted by ofsted in the summer of last year. I totally believe in meaningful sessions that support an individual to progress rather than tokenistic efforts which do not value the individual. This is proving a bit of a challenge but I am doing my best to make my sessions relevant.

ETSY SHOP

Watch this space…….

Marjorie and Me Christmas 2021 - Day 10 - Christmas snacks

It’s Day 10 of #MarjorieAndMeChristmas2021 and we have been making Christmas snacks using bags of sweets.

You separate all the green and red seeets from the other colours (these can be eaten later). Mix them all together and add some pretzels and sprinkles and whatever else you fancy. Pop it in a tin and ta-dar! It’s all ready to eat or gift to someone this Christmas.

This activity is great for fine motor skill development and colour sorting

I also know that day 9 of #MarjorieAndMeChristmas2021 is missing…….sorry, ran out of time. X

Marjorie and Me Christmas 2021 - Day 6 - Sensory Bath

Day 6 of #MarjorieAndMeChristmas2021 is all about enjoying a bath (or shower) to relax and unwind. With all the routine changes happening in December it’s really important to pencil in time to relax and re-ground yourself and the individuals you care for.

I thought this star shaped bath bomb from The Body Shop was perfect for the festive season

Have a lovely day and stay safe

Marjorie and Me Christmas 2021 - Day 5 - Edible Snowman

It’s Day 5 of #MarjorieAndMeChristmas2021 is EDIBLE SNOWMEN

This activity is great for people who like to put things in their mouth as everything is edible (just make sure the items do not conflict with any specific dietary needs the individual has). These snowmen can be made as a dessert activity or simply explored by the individual using their hands or feet.

All you need is:

* Tray

* White marshmallows

* Chocolate chips or raisins (for eyes)

* Pretzels or twiglets for arms

* Sprinkles

Happy exploring and eating!

Marjorie and Me at Christmas 2021 - Day 4 - Easy Sensory Activity

It’s Day 4 of #MarjorieAndMeChristmas2021

Today the focus is on easy sensory activities:

The tub of putty is from B&M Stores and only cost £2. We put it on a tray and added the small squidgy balls later. This was a brilliant activity to keep hands busy whilst we watched the Gavin & Stacey Christmas special from 2019.

When we’d finished with it we put it back in the container for another day

Take care

Marjorie and Me at Christmas - Day 3 - Salt Dough

It’s day 3 of #MarjorieAndMeChristmas2021 and it’s all about salt dough.

Salt dough is a really affordable activity to do. I always use the Emily Kerrigan recipe “How to make salt dough” on the BBC Good Food app/website. It’s really easy to follow and the results are always good.

We made Christmas decorations. S supported this activity and she’s not one for painting so we added green food colouring to the water whilst making the salt dough so we could focus on the sequins and not painting.

All you need:

1x cup/250g plain flour

1/2 cup/125g table salt

1/2 cup/125ml water

All you do:

* Turn the oven onto its lowest setting and line baking trays with baking/parchment paper.

* Mix the flour and salt together in a bowl.

* Add the water and mix until a dough is formed. You need to use your hands.

* Place dough on lightly floured surface and roll out. Be creative! The simpler the designs the better. The thinner the creations are the better they cook.

* Place in the oven for 3hrs or until hard.

* Once cooled be as creative as you want: we used sequins and modge-podge to seal the decorations.

Have fun!!

Marjorie and Me at Christmas 2021 - Day 2 - Hot Chocolate

As you know, I’m a huge fan of coffee. However at this time of year I personally this that a hot chlorate tastes far better than it does at any other time of the year…… Christmas Fact. I think at Christmas you can justify adding a huge amount of squirty cream and sprinkles to the top of your hot chocolate. It is also a simple, affordable and accessible activity for most people to enjoy. The activity can be adapted to be a milkshake instead of a hot chocolate, it can be drunk through a straw, thickener can be added to achieve a good consistency for an individual, the list is endless. But at its core it is a social activity to be enjoyed by all.

ENJOY!

I believe these are the essentials for a perfect Christmas Hot Chocolate:

• 1x festive mug

• 1x festive spoon

• 1x festive napkin

• 4tsp instant hot chocolate

• A good glug of milk

• Hot water (not boiling)

• A generous helping of squirty cream

• Festive sprinkles

All you have to do is:

1. Boil some water in the kettle. Whilst you’re preparing the drink it will cool slightly.

2. Add the instant hot chocolate to the festive mug.

3. Add the milk to the festive mug and stir with the festive spoon.

4. Pour the water from the kettle into the festive mug and stir with the festive spoon.

5. Add squirty cream.

6. Add sprinkles.

7. Place the festive mug on the festive napkin and enjoy. The festive spoon can be used to make sure you get all the cream ;-)

Marjorie and Me at Christmas 2021 - Day 1 - Christmas tree

I love my little Christmas tree. It has a little wicker basket base (very me) and fake snow that is a nightmare to hoover up. All the decorations are individually brought; one a year, and help to make Christmas so enjoyable for me. I love routines and traditions. They make me feel grounded and Christmas is a time of year when I reminisce more; remembering Christmas as a child, remembering the people who are no longer here and being with my family.

Throughout my career, I have supported people at Christmas time; the elderly people living on their own and having no family to share a meal with so you do your best to make it special during your call time, adults with learning disabilities who are desperate to attend the disco at the Pub and kiss under the mistletoe and children with special needs who are so excited for Father Christmas. I have been part of teams that have planned special events, supported trips to the Panto and Santa’s Grotto and facilitated cooking sessions. Over the past 24 years I have learnt one thing: YOU DO YOU.

If routine is so important to you or the person you support/care for, then maintain it. That person will enjoy Christmas more whilst feeling safe in their routine and no doubt you’ll have a better time too. If routine is not important then embrace all the tinsel, mince pies and activities on offer. If you’re only interested in the food then eat and enjoy. What matters is that you do you. It’s your Christmas so enjoy it.

The challenge of parenting, caring or being a sibling to a person with special needs is recognised here. It’s your Christmas too. If you want to spend the festive season watching films in your pjs (whilst it seems that everyone on instagram is at the Panto or enjoying walks in the woods) then do it!

Please look after yourself and take from the festive season what works for you. You do you.

My closing remark is that I love all the fairy lights around this time of year. They bring me joy and make spaces feel calm (not the flashing ones - I’m not a fan).

YOU DO YOU

Supporting professionals to interact with children with disabilities

This week I had the opportunity to meet with some amazing social workers who are supporting some of the most vulnerable children in our communities; disabled young people.

I facilitated an initial interaction session which involved some objects to interact with (ball, scarf, puppets, bubbles and a vehicle), some symbols for choice making and self expression and some key makaton signs. It was great to feel the passion and enthusiasm in the room. The team manager emailed me the following day to say they practiced signing the alphabet in the team meeting. I felt such a sense of accomplishment.

I love my job and I’m totally dedicated to supporting individuals with complex learning disabilities to reach their full potential. This has been a great week!

Thank you to everyone who took part and participated so willingly.

Making playdough

Playdough is such a great resource for sensory sessions and child/adult development and relaxation. However I am using it with groups of children so buying it can work out quite expensive. I had a look online and came across this one which seemed really easy to make and edible, should it accidentally be put in the mouth. I've used plain flour so it is not suitable for anyone with a gluten/wheat intolerance to eat but should be ok to touch. However you know who you are making it for so use your knowledge of them to see of you think it's suitable.

As usual the video skills are quite poor but I'm uploading it as otherwise I'll never get anything uploaded whilst I'm trying to improve.......it's going to take some time I can tell you that! Unfortunately I cannot remember where I found the playdough receipe but here it is:

You will need:

* 8tbsp plain flour

* 2tbsp table salt

* 60mls warm water

* 1tbsp vegetable oil

* Food colouring - a few drops (I also added some flavourings too)

What you do:

1. Add the flour and salt to a mixing bowl and stir.

2. In a measuring jug add the water and then add the oil and colourings/flavourings. Give this a good stir.

3. Add the wet ingredients into the mixing bowl and stir with a wooden spoon.

4. Lightly flour the surface you are working on and tip the dough out. Form a ball and knead until smooth and pliable.

5. The dough can be put into an air tight sandwich bag and kept in the fridge until needed. (I'm not sure how long it will stay in the fridge but I'm guessing several days at least).

Happy playdough making!

Etsy shop finally open

If you’re interested in purchasing any of the sensory packs I have put together please check out my Etsy shop: Marjorie and Me by Kerry

In 2017 I open my Etsy shop to sell craft items but over time my business progressed and I had less time to make items to sell so I had to close it. I’ve been meaning to re-open it but my confidence has prevented me. However, sometimes you have to just be brave. What am I fearing? Nothing. I have no problems failing. I have no problem with it not being successful. But I do have a problem with not having a go. So , here we go……

I’ve uploaded 9 items to my shop. These are designed to support young children, children with SEND, adults with learning disabilities and people who require a sensory approach, to enjoy sensory toys. I’m interested to see if these sell in packs or if buyers would rather buy the toys individually, or if there is no interest at all in buying these items from me.

I’m also looking at developing resources for PMLD which can be explored on trays, in bowls and from a variety of different laying, sitting and standing positions. I’m looking at linking these to stories to start with.

I feel like I could waffle on more but I’ll save you from that. I’m happy to hear your feedback on the items I have in my shop and any thing you think I should/should not do. Thank you.

Have a lovely day

Makaton Tactile Signing

I have been so fortunate today and met (well over a webinar anyway) the amazing Shelina Mitha. Selina is a Speech and Language Therapist and one of her many areas of specialism is tactile signing with children who are blind, as well as those with MSI (Multiple Sensory Impairments) and PMLD (Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities). Selina has been a Senior Makaton Tutor for 10 years and today she gave a presentation to makaton members on Tactile Signing using Makaton.

Shelina’s knowledge and passion for this subject matter is so clear to see. I found myself thinking of ways to use such signing techniques and with who. But. This is not why I wanted to write a quick blog post on tactile signing. At the end of the session Shelina answered questions. A lot of the questions were around whether The Makaton Charity would be standardising a package of signs for use with children and adults who are VI, MSI and PMLD. The Charity staff alluded to the fact this proposal was not in their business plan, but Shelina seemed keen on this happening.

And then Shelina said: “STANDARDISING GIVES YOU A COMMUNITY”. And isn’t that true and surely what we are all about? Individuals with these complex needs struggle to communicate their choices and needs, let alone initiate communication with others. They are supported by staff and family members and their ‘friends’ are other individual with similar needs in the same class/group as them. If a communication system is standardised then others can communicate with the individual (and not just those who know the individual well). To only be able to communicate with your immediate family and paid professionals is a sad state of affairs to me.

Sooooooo, let’s hope Shelina’s influence can encourage the Makaton Charity to consider this task of standardising tactile signs as a priority.

I’ll keep you updated. Until then, enjoy the sunshine!

Image taken from Google Images and not my own.