Learning Disability Week - being differently abled is a gift
The Island • June 15, 2020
Today marks the start of Learning Disability Week which was created to highlight the challenges faced to those who are differently abled.
Learning Disability Week
Here at The Island, we believe in empowering our children and young people who have a learning difference so that we can help them to grow in confidence, self-esteem and resilience and more importantly, see their difference as a unique gift.
Learning differences do not prevent a person from reaching their potential, however, stigma does which is why it is important to nurture young lives and to educate others in a positive manner. We find using positive language is the way forward, for example "learning difference" and "differently abled" as opposed to "disability" and "disorder" which both have many negative connotations associated with them.
We are keen for our young mentees to grow and develop where they do not feel defined by their differences, but to use them to build strengths.
Below, Grace and Ella who look after our group-based mentoring programme have complied a list of useful tips on how you can support and nurture children and young people who are differently abled.
- Find a good place to communicate in - somewhere without distraction. If you are talking to a large group be aware that some people may find this difficult.
Communication isn't just about talking, its also listening. When you're communicating with someone with a learning disability (power), think about your tone of voice and your body language, as well as the words you use. Also, use accessible language, avoid long words that might be hard to understand, be prepared to use different communication tools, follow the lead of the person you're communicating with, go at the pace of the person you're communicating with, check you have understood and be creative.
- Ask open questions; questions that don't have a simple yes or no answer.
- Check with the person that you understand what they are saying e.g. "the TV isn't working? Is that right?"
- If the person wants to take you to show you something, go with them.
- Watch the person; they may tell you things by their body language and facial expressions.
- Learn from experience - you will need to be more observant and don't feel awkward about asking parents or carers for their help.
- Try drawing - even if your drawing isn't great, it might still be helpful.
- Use gestures and facial expressions. If you're asking if someone is happy or unhappy, make your facial expression unhappy to reinforce what you're saying.
- Be aware that some people find it easier to use real objects to communicate, but photos and pictures can really help too.
Remember, all communication is meaningful, but you may need to work harder to understand.
- Be positive about all the possibilities.
- Take time with them, don't rush.
- Ask them what they need.
- Build confidence and independence through life skills. Encourage socialising with friends and making new ones. Be part of a community and do activities together. Practical things too like: budgeting; shopping; getting around (public transport use etc...)
- Make sure they (and you) understand their unique differences and help them to find the positives in their power , this way, communication and support can be more tailored.
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Why not follow us on our social media channels - Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok to keep up to date with our charity work in York - providing Islands of space and time for vulnerable children and young people; by building confidence, self-esteem and unlocking potential through positive mentoring relationships and unique programmes.
What interested you about becoming an Island Volunteer Mentor? I was interested in volunteering and personal development to enhance my career prospects. I was at a stage where I was confused as to where I wanted to go next but I knew I was good with people, and I knew that my personality would suit working one to one with a young person. I knew that I could pass on good advice and life experience. How long did you mentor for The Island? I mentored for around 15 months. Every week for around 2 hours on a Thursday night. Sometimes we would miss a session due to various factors, but these sessions were caught up on. What did you enjoy most about the Mentoring? I enjoyed being able to experience many different activities with my young person and being able to see their confidence grow. I enjoyed catching up and hearing stories from the week and focusing my attention on that session. Different social settings allowed me to guide my young person and relay stories from my experience which I knew would be helpful. This was enjoyable as I knew I was passing on vital helpful advice for adulthood. Why do you think Mentoring is important for young people? I think in today's world with social media and the stresses on life can be overwhelming for everyone. For a young person to be guided by a mentor, they can step away from that world for a short while and express themselves or let off steam in an environment where they can be nurtured and not judged. With the guidance of a mentor, the young person can take the advice into everyday life which will hopefully help them in difficult and stressful situations. The young person can build up a relationship with the mentor and know that they have trust in them to be able to openly talk about their feelings away from a family, friend it school setting. Please let us know how you have found the support from the island and which aspects you have found the most valuable? I found the support very good and easy to access. I knew that if I needed any support or advice, I could email or call my supervisor. I found the group sessions with other mentors helpful as we could come together and talk about our experience and use any advice in future sessions. Hearing stories from other mentoring experiences was highly valued. Has the Island supported you with any future plans personally or professionally? If so, could you share this with us? The island has kept in touch with me regarding several career opportunities throughout the mentoring process that I have considered. I know that I could sit with the island and discuss any plans if I needed to. Most of all, they have helped my confidence and gave me a platform to express myself and follow my goals which has put me in good stead for next move in my career as a health trainer. The skills and experience I have gained from my mentoring will be transferred over to this next role. At the Island, we are constantly looking for people who have the ability to listen, and who feel that they can develop a positive rapport with children and young people in an honest, challenging and non-judgemental way. All prospective volunteer mentors receive training, support and supervision. This covers such areas as communication, child protection, equal opportunities and often, in the process mentors learn more about themselves, too. To find out more about our volunteer opportunities please click here www.theislandyork.org
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