To build on this theme Deborah Carleston, the Music Therapist at Wingrave School, organised a special trip for James and Christopher at the beginning of their summer holiday: a visit to Windsor Castle. Deborah knows the young men well, as they used to attend Wingrave before moving to No Limits.
The trip was well planned. Two weeks in advance we started using pictures and objects to explain to James and Christopher that they would be visiting Windsor Castle where the Queen sometimes lives. A social story helped the young men understand what the outing would entail and we carefully ensured that they knew they were going on the 8th July.
Finally, it was the special outing...
It was lovely to see how Christopher and James’ social skills excelled in such an over crowded environment where there are thousands of tourists from all over the world. We stood back as they smiled and laughed with people, shaking hands and giving high 5s. They did a great job pointing and leading to where they wanted to go and what they wanted to see. Christopher and James took control of their visit.
Deborah’s husband works at the castle as a singer in the choir, he took us to the church at the castle where the Queen goes for prayers on Sundays. We had special access to the Church organ as well and he played us a couple of church songs. Christopher and James were even shown the section where the Queen stays when she is at Windsor Castle.
Both men have an iPad with their photos saved which will enable them to share their grand day out easily with their families in the future.
On behalf of Christopher and James and the entire staff team at The Haven, No-Limits, I would like to take this opportunity to send our sincere appreciation to Deborah, for coming up with such a fantastic idea and for carefully organising the trip to Windsor Castle.
Godfrey Muula
Senior Learning Facilitator, No Limits Aylesbury
Editing by Christopher and James