Learn how our Next Step team have enabled Isla to live a more fulfilling life within her community.
Isla joined the Next Steps Programme after Graduating from Henshaws Specialist College last year. Isla was excited to learn within the community and transition her skills into her continued adulthood. For Isla, transitioning was challenging and overwhelming, which is where the support from Next Steps came in.
When Isla started her transition to Next Steps, she struggled with transport. Red lights, traffic jams and unexpected situations were too overwhelming for Isla and this was a huge barrier for Isla accessing the community. Isla worked closely with the Next Steps Team who introduced a personalised travel training programme for Isla. The team worked closely with Isla to travel safely on the bus and feel comfortable, confident and happy whilst in the community. Support techniques included step-by-step learning, choice-making, visual support aids, timetables travel time and even a group party blower celebration every time Isla completed a successful trip! This activity really supported Isla to see the benefits of going out on the bus and supported learners to help and celebrate each other’s enormous achievements.
Isla has now visited places far and wide including The Deep, Yorkshire Wild Life Park, The Sea Side and The Web. Visiting these spaces has been a huge learning opportunity for Isla who has been able to interact with her peers and the community in a way that wasn’t accessible for her before. Isla has also recently used the public train service to travel into Harrogate, this is a momentous occasion and something Isla should be extremely proud of.
Isla is now a leading member of the planning team and will regularly ask to go out on the bus for a coffee. The learning that can now be completed with Isla is huge. Isla is a valued member of the community around her and she is able to understand the value she brings to others. Isla has developed meaningful friendships with others and is able to communicate her wants and needs clearly whilst exploring the space around her. Ultimately, this life skill will support Isla into her continued adulthood after Henshaws and into her future where she will be able to continue to access a meaningful, personalised and fulfilling lifestyle.
