Challenge Not Accepted: Bethany
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Societal bias about disabled people often means it's assumed they shouldn't or can't take part or compete meaningfully. As part of our Challenge NOT Accepted campaign, we're sharing the stories of young people, like Bethany here, who loves to be involved in activities at Rose Road.
Her mum, Helen, explains:
"Bethany is generally a very happy, smiley girl. She is not a solitary person and thrives in the company of others where she can participate in lots of activities, especially anything involving water or music! She’s non-verbal but hums along, strums a guitar – music is a big part of her happy place.
There is a lot of happiness in our home, but I’m time limited and as a small family we rely on the support of our care team to give Bethany everything she needs.
She’s been with The Hut at Rose Road since leaving school and it’s an absolute boon for me as I know she’s at her best there.
If she could talk she would say she absolutely loves going. She gets very excited and smiles and makes happy noises. She’s having an extended stay at Rose Road soon as I’m going on holiday for the first time ever as I’m fully confident knowing she’ll have a really good time".
Her Support Worker explains, "Bethany loves the music therapy sessions in the Hut every Friday, where she can tap or strum an instrument. She also really enjoyed the Boccia sessions when they were running. She smiled every time she rolled the ball down the ramp and knocked the other player's ball out the way. I think it gave her a real sense of achievement and pride, she looked really pleased with herself".
Mum Helen continues: "It’s been a lifeline, especially since she became very poorly a few years ago which increased her medical care needs and made life at home busier and her care more invasive. I wasn’t used to it but she copes with whatever is thrown her way, Bethany is braver than I am!
Rose Road took it all in their stride and made the transition into new routines so much easier for me.
Now we’re on the other side and manage very well, and Rose Road are there to help Bethany do more".
"They give her that extra opportunity to be social and make friends, to try new things and live her own life as a young adult".
Watch our Challenge NOT Accepted video here, and find out how you can keep the conversation going here.
❤ Please donate to empower disabled young people to continue to push boundaries, break down barriers, and make their own decisions and have their voices heard, through person-centred and individually tailored support, activities and adventures with Rose Road.
❤ Download our Disability Awareness Conversation Guide(PDF) - developed for the campaign and designed to help you run informal, conversation-based workshops on improving inclusion and accessibility in everyday life and work. Topics include the Social Model of Disability, Effective Communication, Challenging Biases, Respectful Language and Promoting Self-Advocacy.