Hall Road story October 2012

Something amazing happened in one of our services that we are delighted to share... this story shows that by supporting the little things we can help people make a BIG difference in their lives.

One of our non-verbal service users from Hall Road has recently achieved something incredible.

He spoke!

This young man moved into Hall Road in 2004. He has epilepsy, autism, profound learning disabilities and doesn’t use words to communicate. Instead he uses some sign language and gestures to communicate.

Through support and positive relationship building with his support team he has recently felt confident enough to say a few words.  A few weeks ago a support worker was calling to another support worker by name and the service user said the person’s name! Everyone was astonished and completely taken aback. This was his first ever spoken word since being at Independence Homes.

One week later and the same support worker said someone else’s name and again the service user repeated this too.

His speech therapist has said it is still early days; she is working on his level of understanding to develop him further and to build stronger relationships with him. The fact that he has spoken, has had such a positive effect on this individual and without doubt, everyone at his service and Independence Homes.

It’s moments like this that makes what we do so rewarding.