2012

7 February

We undertook a 2hr discuss-base session about Inclusive Empowerment for one Headmaster and two Deputy Headmasters from St Mary's School in East Grinstead. It was brilliant session and the participants generated lots of discussion

2011

29 June
I talked to two groups of children at a mainstream primary school the talk was about the fun activities I have done such as playing with my brother when we were small and going on holiday. The children loved it and asked me lots of questions afterwards.

28 June
I did two talks for students with physical disabilities at Feltham Community College. The first talk was on communication and empowerment. Since some of the students were going on to different colleges, this talk gave them the tools to communicate effectively to new people. The second talk was about self-confidence and personal relationships. It covered issues finding a partner and feeling happy being themselves.

28 May
I had a mentoring session with a 8-year-old girl with Cerebral Palsy and her parents. We discussed a range of things different things ranging from her interests and hobbies, schooling and home adaptations. Her parents wants to see my environmental system. The session went really well.

 

2010

3 March
I undertook a Communication Workshop also covering the relevant parts of the Disability Discrimination Act. I delivered to a company called Crown Business Communications Ltd. The delegates had six tasks to do which encouraged deep thinking and discussion

2009

28 October
I went to Oakdown House and ran two workshops on independent living. There were tasks throughout which encouraged deep thinking and discussion.

23 October
I went to Quality Respite Care to talk to the Service Users about living independently. I talked about the advantages and disadvantages of using a care agency or having Direct Payments and employing their own staff. There was a chance of ask questions at the end.

20 October
I ran two Communication Workshops at Oakdown House. Both workshops went very well and there was a great deal of interaction.

14 October
I ran two Independent Living Workshops at Oakdown House. There were a number of tasks throughout. They encourage deep thinking about giving choice to the residents. The participants really had chances to ask questions or provide comments. I received some brilliant feedback.

29 September
I delivered two Communication Workshops at Oakdown House. I customised these workshops so that they related specifically to Oakdown. The workshops were longer with more opportunities to ask questions, undertake more tasks and give their comments. Both workshops went really well.

21 July
Compaid Trust had invited me to run a Disability Awareness Workshop. The workshop covered topics such as, models of disability, appropriate use of terminology, communication, and how to empower people. They undertook two tasks which encouraged deep thinking.

19 June
I gave a talk to students at Tunbridge Wells High School. The students were aged between 13 and 16 years old. The talk was about life with a physical disability. I talked about how people with physical disabilities live their lives, pursue their interests and go through education. I also talked about my experiences through life. I welcomed questions from the students at the end of the talk. They students responded very positively.

My local MP, Mr Greg Clark, attended my talk as he expressed an interest in seeing me in action. His feedback was extremely positive, and we are going to have discussions about undertaking Disability Awareness Training for his Constituency.

"I accompanied Simon when he delivered some disability awareness training to a local secondary school class. His presentation was highly stimulating and effective, and I was extremely impressed by the quality of his work. Listening to Simon is very inspirational – he is clearly an accomplished communicator.

Greg Clark
MP for Tunbridge Wells"

12 June
I visited Chailey Heritage School to talk to students about how to interview perspective support workers. I discussed both formal and informal interviews. I did a roleplay of two interviews. In the first interview, my assistant gave answers which reflected here her true feelings and opinions. In the second interview she gave the answers which I wanted to hear. Afterwards, the students and I talked about the two interviews, discussing their thoughts about each one.

15 May
I gave a talk to 25 students who were in the 16+ group at Chailey Heritage School. The talk was about having loving sexual relationships, describing the challenges that I have had throughout my life. I finished it by giving some advice about when the students meet their prospective partners. There was a question and answer session at the end and the students felt comfortable enough to ask me plenty of question

"It was a fantastic talk. I would recommend your services to other special schools"
Helen Dunman, 16+ Unit Teacher

26 March
I ran a session for the staff at a residential home called Oakdown House. The session was about communication and enable the residents to have choice and individuality. I talked about my experiences living in residential schools. Once I identified the issues, I discussed how Oakdown's staff could enhance their support to the residents.

25 March
I visited the Woodlarks Workshop Trust to talk to the residents about independent living in regards with getting the right support. I discussed the option of using care agencies or having Direct Payments and employing their own staff. We talked about the advantages and disadvantages of both areas.

18 February
I ran a workshop to the staff on independent living at the Woodlarks Workshop Trust which is a residential home. Some of the residents want to live independently in their own flat, so the workshop covered the different stages involved. I was told by the staff the workshop sparked off their motivation.

6 February
I went to a Disability Awareness morning. Organisations had stalls. It gave me knowledge about services already available

 

2008

6 November
I attended a meeting at Valence School. They are settling up a mentoring scheme with some of their ex-students. I am head mentor so, as well as mentoring the students, I am also there for mentors.

21-23 September
I attended the Communication Matters National Symposium. I met up with my old teachers who I still work with on occasions. I went to seminars to update my knowledge on what communication equipment is available. I also ran a seminar with a representative from Possum Controls Ltd about the Disability Awareness day at Microsoft HQ.

1 September
BBC South East Today came to do a story about my determination throughout education and my passion to help other people in the same situation as me.

26 August
I had another positive mentoring session with the 14-year-old young man below and his helper.

6 August
I mentor a 14-year-old person with Cerebral Palsy and their family. They asked for my assistance with his schooling situation.

18-20 July
I was a Role Model at a weekend for 1Voice. It was about transition. I was there to help the children who use AAC to think about the next stage of their lives. I was also there to talk to parents about any concerns.

13 June
I gave a talk to the 16+ group at Chailey Heritage School. The talk was about what challenges I face throughout my life.

26 May
I attended a Disability Awareness Fundraising event at Microsoft HQ with The Possum Trust.

21 April
I have developed a mentoring service for families with children who have physical disabilities.

28 March
I visited Chailey Heritage School and gave a talk on sexuality to students who were over 16.

18 March
I ran my communication workshop at Treloar College with 16 attendees as their PDT.

15 March
I went to a communication conference where I ran a workshop and a question and answer session.