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Education
 

Heathar has attended a variety of educational settings throughout her academic life. Here Heathar describes some of those experiences, and suggests what changes need to be made to create a more inclusive world.

One of the special schools I attended the people had a very hard time understanding me. They need to comprehend the difference between “naughty” behaviour and sensory behaviour. I also felt that the curriculum level was very assuming instead of based on my abilities. They did not appreciate my level of intelligence.

A residential school that I attended also had undermining forces and sympathetic views of the students. They need to find out the truthful ability, instead of seeking out the disability of their students. It is always easier for them to think that students can’t rather than can. Don’t listen to the experts, but the individuals’ abilities and voices.

I also attended a mainstream Catholic High School for one year. It was tough being the only non- speaking student at that school as none of the support staff had a knowledge of my support and communication needs. They have much to learn. They need to lower the loudness at which they spoke to me.Also they need to recognise that inclusion is not having your own room separate from all the other students.

  Heathar  
           
 

My past experience of education has been one of non-inclusive accommodations. Please do not assume anything as a teacher, or fellow student; instead listen to individual needs.

University, however is a great place for active minds like mine. I feel that University is a much more calmer setting for me to be organised. This is because accommodations are allowed to enable my sensory concentration to be fulfilled. The tutors are easy, free, and have widen thoughts about what I am capable of. People at the University are much more open minded to my abilities and intelligence.

Heathar and Family's published article about adventure centre Kepplewray. Please click here

A presentation by Dr Katherine Briffa about Heathar's experiences at the cycling project wheels for all. Please click here

 
         
Me talking to Jamie Burke at Bolton University
 
     
Learning is my Entire Life

Joe Whittaker and Navin Kikabhai are senior lecturers at the University of Bolton who have been very supportive of my successful inclusion into the University life. They make me feel acceptance instead of difference. They helped me become a special education survivor.

A career teaching will be great. I would like to teach children because they are good at finding fun. I would like to teach in schools, colleges and universities when I obtain my degree.

 
 
 
 
Joe Whittaker
    
Navin Kikabhai
 
                                       

Adam Barrett

Adam Barrett is a qualified teacher and facilitated communication training instructor (trained by Marilyn Chadwick Speech and Lanugauge Therapist - FC Institute Syracuse University USA) www.fci.syr.edu who is available to provide individual training packages on FCT along with training for teams of personal assistants.

Whether your team is completely new to a communication strategy or needs on going mentoring and support, Adam can provide you with a person centred package to suit you and your family and your teams interests. All age ranges catered for. Adam has spoken for Skills for care at Aintree racecourse about the role of a personal assistant, as well as running an FC for beginners workshop at Bolton University.

  Adam Barrett and Jamie Burke during the Facilitated Communication Training for trainers event in Syracuse, New York, USA 2007.
Adam Barrett services can:~
Provide bespoke individual FCT training packages
Personal Assistant training and development packages
SCIP training
Mentoring and support for Facilitators and P.A development
Curriculum diffrentiation in all educational settings
Provide presentations on;
Introduction to FC,
Being a Personal Assistant.
2-day Introductory workshop on Getting started with FCT
Private consultation on communication options

Noting taking & Specialist tutition services in colleges and University.

For more information, please contact:

Adam Barrett B.A - P.G.C.E.
16 Chester Street,
Leigh,
WN7 1LS
Email adambarrett82@googlemail.com
Telephone (01942) 206406

 
Adam Barrett and Josh Harris
Adam and Josh Harris out for a walk. Josh is a co-author of the new book "Words Unspoken" and has many printed articles on Autism and communication issues. To find out more about Josh visit his fantastic new website by clicking on here
 
     

Comments on presentations and support packages

Comment from Joshua's mother Dr Carole Harris regarding Adam's FC training and PA support;

"Adam  Barrett has worked with my son Josh for two years working with his secular studies whilst in education, and facilitating his communication. Adam has enabled Josh to produce DVDs, publish articles and contribute to a book. Adam is talented and knowledgeable on FC / Inclusion / PA training development and support. We are truly blessed."

 
     
  Heathar and Adam   email: info@heatharashley.com      
                   
    Adam and Heathar typing during a lecture at Bolton University.