Crown Business Communications Ltd - 03 March 2010
Communication with a Difference Workshop

“I enjoyed that the talk was delivered by Simon, someone with a severe physical disability [Cerebral Palsy]”

“It opened my eyes that all people are approachable”

“Enjoyed the tasks especially using the letter board [to communicate as someone without any speech]”

“I feel like I have really learnt something”

“I learnt how to address disabled people and their assistants”

“It was a real insight from real people”

“Feeling far more comfortable at the end than at the start was very  noticeable [about interacting with someone who has a severe disability]”

“The openness and relaxed presentation of the talk was helpful”

“Tasks were a good way of brining the issues to life – made it easier to understand how hard it is for people who have no speech”

“It was relaxed and I felt comfortable asking any questions”

Oakdown House – 28 October 2009

Independent Living Workshop for Staff

“Was made to feel comfortable in discussing all topics”

“The whole discussion was useful, establishing communication, respecting choices, privacy and space”

“The reason I attended this talk is because the subject matter [Independent Living within a Residential Home] interested me and I have previously attended one of Simon’s talks and thoroughly enjoyed it”

“I learnt a lot and it enlightened me”

“Very relaxed and informative”

“Enjoyed Simon’s enthusiasm and sharing experiences”

Quality Respite Care - 23 October 2009

Independent Living Presentation for the Residents

“Very Informative”

“Thanks from us all, I was inspired when I first met Simon and I am still inspired”

“Simon was such an inspiration.  It was excellent”

Oakdown House - 20 October 2009

Communication Workshop for Staff

"The tasks made me realise how communication works and what it feels like to be impaired"

"I find communication very interesting as I`ve had several ear operations and I understand the frustrations our clients may have"

"Great chats and good use of humour throughout the presentation"

Oakdown House - 14 October 2009

Independent Living Workshop for Staff

"The talk allowed me to gain insight and understanding of the clients and their preferences"

"Very informative and enjoyable"

Would enjoy more training with Simon"

"Thoroughly enjoyed this workshop, I found it refreshed my knowledge and reminded me not to take things for granted"

Oakdown House - 29 September 2009

Communication Workshop for Staff

“I admire Simon and his strength of personality and his ability to enable us to learn and understand”

“A really thought provoking session – thank you”

“Enjoyed witnessing the relationship between Simon and his assistant and how easily they communicated”

Compaid Trust - 21 July 2009

Disability Awareness Workshop for Staff

"I learned so much about how to talk to people."

"I enjoyed taking part in the tasks; they were excellent"

"Good visual bullet points."

"A lot of ground was covered."

"Very interesting presentation, it will make me think about how to effectively communicate with a speech impaired person."

"Made me realise that I don’t always use the right terminology."

Oakdown House - 26 March 2009

Communicating and Working Together - Staff Training

“I have learnt a lot about freedom of choice. You have helped me understand a great deal about communication. No Improvements, Simon, your talk was very informative and I think you are wonderful. Thank you very much.”

“At the end of the talk the discussion was informal and interesting.  The talk was very good and I think all care staff should do this course.  Thank you very much.”

“It was very motivational and I got a lot out of it, thank you very much.”

“Extremely useful and motivational.”

Woodlarks Workshop Trust - 25 March 2009

Independent Living Workshop for Residents

“If Simon can do it then I can. Thank you for coming.”

“It was very interesting.”

“It has shown me that I can try.”

“The talk was excellent.”

Woodlarks Workshop Trust - 18 February 2009

Independent Living Workshop for Staff

"Your talk motivated me!"

"Thank you for coming. Hopefully your next talk to the residents will give them the same zest for life as you possess." 

"I enjoyed listening to Simon about how he has improved his life by being able to do the things he wants to do and how happy he is."

"Simon’s sense of humour made it relaxed and fun."

"Very encouraging and educational."

"It was very interesting for me."

"You could not improve on the presentation and we would like to see you here again for another talk, this time to the residents."

Treloar College - March 2008

Communication with a Difference for Staff

"Enjoyed... Simon coming round chatting with us."

"Excellent powerpoint presentation"

"Tasks were an excellent way for us to know how it feels to have limited speech."

"The workshop was really informative and interesting."

"I enjoyed the fact that the workshop was delivered by a communication aid user himself."

"Doing the tasks made me more aware of how long it takes to communicate effectively."

Southview School - February 2008

Communication with a Difference for Staff

“I really enjoyed the tasks, they really made me think about communicating with asking yes/no questions"

“Simon’s interactions with the group"

"Simon’s personal experiences of communication aids"

"Questions at the end were good"

"Good information on ways to communicate"

"Learning how to use the alphabetical board"

"Hearing about communication from your perspective"

"Seeing how quick the alphabetical board can be used"

"The inspiration it gave to colleagues"

"Food for thought for our own pupils"

"Enjoyed hearing first hand from an AAC user”

West Kent College - July 2007

Communication with a Difference for Staff

“I feel much more relaxed to talk to a student with a disability”

“I thought it was extremely useful and would highly recommend it”

“Simon's sense of humour”

“Nice relaxed atmosphere”

“No pressure as the tasks were fun and not too complicated”

Scope - August 2005

Disability and Personal Relationships for Staff

“Many thanks - a difficult area of discussion - you made it relatively easy"

“The tasks given were thought provoking and encouraged deep thinking”

“To have a knowledge of disability and personal relationships and the problems/effects on individuals will greatly assist me in my work"

Scope - August 2005

Communication with a Difference for Staff

"A very good workshop - well presented"

"The workshop was challenging and professionally delivered"

"Enjoyed the opportunity to discuss issues openly and with good humour. Many thanks"