Noah
“Noah enjoys his time with ECL, Saffron Walden, he has developed lots of new skills and we are particularly pleased with the improvement in his social interaction”.
21-year-old Noah has Down’s Syndrome and a profound learning disability, he also has a cheeky sense of humour and a GCSE in art!
When Noah joined ECL Saffron Walden in September 2019, his mum and dad were quite concerned about the transition from school as he had been in the same, familiar setting since the age of 4, however his mum Bonny commented “Noah immediately settled in and we have been pleased how he has developed good relationships with the staff and other customers. The activities are varied and challenging for him, he is often taken out into the community which is important for him.”
Frequent sensory integration sessions have been introduced into Noah’s timetable; the staff use the time when Noah is out of his wheelchair to carry out his physiotherapy exercises to calming music. Sensory equipment such as an interactive floor projector and TACPAC (a communication through touch and music program) have been used to stimulate Noah and develop his interaction, communication, and co-ordination.
Noah’s keyworker Robert McKinley commented “we have seen many positive changes since starting the sensory sessions with Noah, he can now reach, grab and throw, and during the sessions Noah exhibits his preferences using eye-pointing, facial expressions and noises. Most importantly, Noah is now using his eye-pointing skills to make food and activity choices”.
Noah loves to be out in the community and has always enjoyed trips to the town centre, to the local common, and lunch club at the pub with the other customers.
Noah’s mum finished by saying “Noah enjoys his time with ECL, Saffron Walden, he has developed lots of new skills, he has steadily gained weight during his time at the centre, and we are particularly pleased with the improvement in his social interaction”.