Learning Disability Coalition

Hannah's story

Hannah has complex medical needs which the staff at her college are trained to deal with. This means that if she has a seizure, she can often be looked after at home. If the support she receives from trained staff was cut she would need more costly medical care in hospital.

Hannah has very complex needs and is also deaf blind.  She lives in a residential college all year round where she has one to one support all day, and staff to watch her during the night.  Here, with the help of her support worker, Kara, Hannah describes her week.

Hannah’s Week:

Monday
In the morning, the staff used a number of different sensory techniques to help me wake up, including music and switching on and off the light.  A staff member prepared my medication and showed me a communication book which explained what I am going to do during the day.  I was helped to have a shower and get dressed.

I was encouraged to take my washing to the laundry room, where I was helped to put it in the machine and start it.  Then I went to the kitchen, where I was helped to make my breakfast.  I need a bit of help in choosing what to have, and I need support when pouring my cereal and milk because I don’t understand quantities.

I spent the day at college where I have lots of different lessons, including learning about shopping and travelling.  I have one-to-one support during these lessons, because I need some help to stay on task.

Tuesday
This morning I had a lesson at college in life skills.  One of my main targets was to learn how to make a sandwich.  I chose what I wanted in my sandwich, but I needed help to find the fridge and the bread.  I also needed hand over hand support to butter the bread and cut the cheese.
 
Wednesday
Today I had an appointment at the local hospital which required two support staff to go with me.  After going to the hospital, I was supported to participate in a music session at college, which I really enjoyed but I needed some help to stay on task.

One of my favourite things to do is go to the local pub for a disco especially designed for young adults with disabilities.  I love going out for this because I get to meet lots of different people and there is a great atmosphere.  When leaving the pub I need extra support as I often try to get on the first bus that I see, even if it’s the wrong one.
 
Thursday
Today was a very busy day for me as I went with some friends to a local cinema to watch a short film made by the college students.  I really enjoyed this.  When I came home, I was helped to prepare for the college prom.  My behaviour became quite challenging as I was a bit reluctant to let the staff to help me to get ready.  When I got the prom, I had a seizure which meant that I needed rescue medication and had to be taken home to recover.

Friday
I went for a picnic with some other students and I had a great time!  Whilst I was at the park, I had another seizure which required medication and left me feeling very tired and shaky.  The college staff took me home, so that I could sleep until I felt better.
 
When I woke up, I was helped with my personal care and given a sensory massage.  I was still feeling unwell from my seizure so I had a quiet evening and relaxed by talking to my parents and watching a DVD with my friends.

Saturday
Today was a very special day for me and the other students at the college, as there was an end of term visit to a local theme park.  I was really excited about going, and with one-to-one support, I was able to go on all the rides that were appropriate for me.