The Story
Angel, a young man living with Down syndrome, a heart condition, and epilepsy, has embarked on a journey towards improved well-being. Alongside his family and support workers from Unique Community Services, Angel has found joy in various activities such as daily walks, visits to his favourite playground, music sessions, and relaxation in his backyard swing chair.
The Process
Angel’s personalised care plan was a result of strong collaboration and commitment. A multidisciplinary team, including Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) specialists and a speech and language therapist, worked with Angel’s family and support workers to tailor the plan. Proactive strategies such as visual schedules, social stories, and a picture exchange communication system (PECS) were utilised to enhance his communication. This collaborative effort effectively improved Angel’s ability to express his needs and preferences.
Angel’s parents played a crucial role in his communication journey, agreeing for him to work with a speech and language specialist. Their joint aim was to implement a pictorial referencing communication method with “Now and Then” pictures, which was successfully integrated into his interactions with other people. Angel’s support workers also embraced this new communication method, using it eagerly in their daily tasks. Their approach improved Angel’s communication and strengthened the bond between the family and the support team, making everyone feel included in his progress.
Angel’s new communication method had a profound impact on his daily life, enhancing his care and transforming his relationships. He developed a deeper connection with his support workers, building trust and mutual understanding. This trust also had a positive effect on Angel’s daily schedule. Once he could express and address his wishes, he showed quite a big interest in outdoor activities, like walking and playing in one of the parks near his home.
Angel’s new communicational skills allowed him to raise his confidence, thus broadening his desire to try new outdoor activities. Since his old wheelchair was out of function, Unique Community Services’ Family Care Navigator stepped in and helped this young man acquire a new one.
Positive Outcomes
Angel’s communication started to improve significantly. All the people around him, including his family and his school, witnessed the change in his behaviour and how he expressed his needs.
This important transformation led to Angel having more control over his interactions with others. Building trust and mutual understanding with our support workers has grown his confidence to do things more independently and enjoy participating in many outdoor activities.
The impact on Angel’s well-being and independence made by the Unique Community Services proactive care is profound. We are committed to delivering continuity of care that will enhance Angel’s quality of life and support him on this journey towards living a fulfilling and meaningful life.
Watch Angel’s journey:
