The Disability Diaries (The Life of J1) : A Very 'Special Needs' Harvest Festival

I have noted on many occasions how highly I think of my eldest Sons, J1, school.  I believe his time at the school has enhanced his life in almost every way possible.  It is the school, I maintain, that turned him from saying two words into a chatterbox.  It is the school that has helped him to develop a wonderful sense of humour.  It is the school that has made him accepting of other children his age, instead of being afraid of them.

For those who have no experience of being involved with a Special Needs school, they may think it would be very different to a mainstream school.  In lots of way it is.  Along with the teachers there is a much higher ratio of 'teaching assistants' in each class.  The school is usually also host to a lot of 'Ists' on a daily basis.  For example, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Music Therapists.  Outside of the classroom is an array of equipment; wheelchairs, standing frames, walking frames; mobile hoists; wedges.  There is usually a few people fixing and adjusting those pieces of kit. 

Instead of classes being host to a tiny cubicle with small toilet and sink they are built with a large 'changing place' and along with the more able-bodied childrens facility there is also a hoist, a changing bench and storage unit to hold all the individual supplies of pads.  There are an array of sensory rooms, soft rooms, quiet rooms - places children with the need for their own space can go and feel calm.  There is a full time on-site nurse to help ensure that all medication and intravenous 'food and drink' is administered correctly.

In the playground you will find all the usual items but in addition to this you will find a roundabout and swing that a wheelchair can be fixed onto.  A sensory garden with wind chimes and colour-makers.

However, in the midst of all these 'differences' many things are the same.  The school day starts at 09:00 and ends at 15:00.  They have morning break time and lunch time in the big hall.  They have Assembly on a Friday afternoon.  They have a school curriculum to work through, parent / teacher evenings, end of year reports and an Annual Awards Ceremony.

I did not know what to expect when J1 started.  I suppose I expected that he would be 'learning' a little in addition to his physical needs for Physiotherapy etc.  I did not expect him to be learning as much as he is - shame on me for not realising my sons capabilities and thank God for the school that they did! 

What I did not expect was that the children would participate in all the things I did at school.  I suppose I thought what with providing education as any school would and attending to all the extra needs of the children, they would have the time.  How wrong was I. 

 

Every year we attend the Christmas Fair, with many stalls being full of things the classes have made themselves.  It never fails to amaze me how they manage it.  We go along and are moved by the Christmas Play, with each class having their own starring moment.  Fundraisers are held each term, this one was a sponsored walk.  The entire school participates.  They have field trips regularly and a whole school outing in the Summer.  No child misses out, unless the parent feels it is necessary.  How a school does this, when catering for such a wide range of Special Needs is, in my opinion, pretty amazing.

 

One of my favourite school events however is Harvest Festival.  I think because I used to enjoy it myself.  It was exciting to go out to a different venue and sing with the school and perform whatever our class was doing.  Each year the local church opens its doors for our children.  We are treated to readings, songs, dancing and a reminder that we really should be grateful for the abundance of food we have available to us.

 

I think it is one of those triggers that it really is Autumn and I have already posted about how much I love Autumn.  It is also beautiful to see all the pupils doing something that every other school does, no matter what their disability.  It is a heart warming sight of inclusiveness that I am blessed and thankful for witnessing.   

I 'Heart' Autumn

A few weeks ago I wrote that I felt sad because Summer seemed to have bypassed Autumn and gone straight to Winter.  I am pleased to say, I think Autumn has come back fighting. 

 

I woke earlier than normal this morning and could not get back to sleep.  And that is when I realised it.  The air had a chill, that required slippers and dressing gown being tracked down.  I waited for the water to run hot before indulging my hands in it.  The thought crossed my mind of flicking the heating on.  But, amongst these thoughts of seeking warmth, the sun was peeping in through a crack in the curtains and when I pulled them back the vision was beautiful.  A vibrant clear blue sky.  A low sun.  A slight dew on the grass.  Autumn has finally arrived.

 

Many people do not like Autumn.  They see it as a sad period.  Summer has faded.  The trees are losing their lush green status and 'getting naked'.  The sun no longer has the heat to walk around sans jacket.  The long dark Winter is approaching.  I do not though.  I like it.  It always makes me feel nostalgic.  To me it indicates a new beginning.  I think this is related to the school year starting.  I always felt it was a fresh start when a new school year approached in September.

 

Yes, you had to get through a cold old Winter, but at the end of that lay the irresistible temptation of another Spring and Summer to look forward too.  Summer holidays to warm destinations were discussed and usually booked in the thick of Winter too, as 'something to look forward too.'

 

I still feel that way about school, but for J1.  Autumn Term is the start of being a 'good school mummy' - getting him there on time and with all the things he needs for that particular day.  For making sure the cupboards are stocked with plenty of healthy packed lunch items.  That school trip forms are signed, paid for, returned and written on the calendar.  That items for the Christmas Bazaar are collected up for donation as and when something suitable is seen.

 

It hails the start of a solid routine after the haphazard period of the Summer.  And this house does crave a bit of routine.  I say 'J1 is such a routine boy.' - I think he would be like that even if he didn't have disabilities, because I so strongly am.  I think that is why I struggle with the 'Toddlerhood' part of child-rearing.  It's too unpredictable, needing to run according to the mood / sleep had by said Toddler.  I think I become a much better mummy when pre-school starts.

 

Don't get me wrong, I am always pleased when the school holidays arrive because I realise how much I have missed the extra company of J1.  It is lovely to not have to get up and have a regimented routine for a little while.  A change always does us good.  But by the end of them, I think everyone is craving that structure again.

 

So here is to crisp, fresh mornings.  To that cosy jumper and warm coat.  To the re-emergence of those faithful old ski socks as the evening turns to night.  To shorter play dates at the park, but the prospect of that silky hot chocolate running down your throat and warming your hands when you get in.

 

So, Welcome Autumn.  We didn't know if you would come. 

What Has Made Me Cheerful This Week?

Reasons to be Cheerful - Mummy From The Heart

 

Yet another week has sped past in a flurry of school runs, rain and picking up (lots) of puppy poopy.  But a lot of changes have happened in the fast paced week.

 

With the arrival of October, much Halloween discussion has started on Facebook.  Some people have even dared to start discussions on the 'C' word.  In our house we are not allowed to mention the 'C' word until after J1's birthday in November.

 

The heating is scheduled to come on for an hour in the morning and an hour in the evening - just to take the chill off.

 

The 'Winter Warmer' recipes have been cracked out of the cook books in preparation for walking in from the cold to a smell of slow cooked meals to melt in the mouth.

 

Yes, a season has truly changed this week.

 

One thing has stayed the same however.  That is, it's Thursday and time to think about things that have made me cheerful this week.  This is a blog hop with Mummy from The Heart - if you need lifting hop on over and read some other happy and grateful posts.

 

So, what has the last seven days meant for me?

 

* I participated in Race for Life and it was truly inspiring.  I was also very happy with my time!

* J2 and I have been baking this week.  We made fairy cakes from 'Jo Wheatley A Passion From Baking'.  I made the cakes and J2 did the toppings (well a few he lost interest after that) but they were all yummy.  There are many more recipes in this book that just look amazing and I can not wait to try them out.

* The Puppy is settling well.  She is very playful and eating well.  She is getting used to sleeping downstairs.  Now she has had her first set of injections she can go out in the garden - which means less poop hunting indoors.

* A couple of writing opportunities have come to light which is very exciting.

* I purchased my Mumsnet Blogfest ticket and am very excited about seeing Mush Brain Ramblings, The Digital Baby and Older Mum in a Muddle in November for a reunion.  One of my best school friends also said she is hoping to attend, if she does it will be the first time we have seen each other for about ten years.

 

We have quite a busy seven days approaching so hopefully there will be lots to be cheerful about next week too.