Challenge Not Accepted: Keiran
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Keiran has always loved music. Being non-verbal, it’s a way for him to express himself; you will often find him playing an instrument of some sort – it's his way of ensuring the world hears him! His mum Angela explains further:
“Kieran has had a long history with Rose Road. He started at Rosewood School at three years old and has attended overnight respite since he was ten. And, since leaving education five years ago, Keiran has attended The Hut day service.
Familiarity is important for Keiran. As a family we tend to do familiar things and go to places where we know we'll be able to access everything and people will know Kieran. We go to our local social club a lot because people know him there and he feels familiar and comfortable too.
Rose Road have become an extension of this by providing that same familiarity and continuity throughout Keiran’s life.
He knows Rose Road so well and that has been so reassuring. They always tailor what they do to meet Keiran’s needs and enable him to do what he loves - that's why he stayed there for so long.
This is especially the case with the opportunities Keiran's had to play music - the piano in particular - through his one to one and group music therapy sessions."
Music therapist Kathryn says of Keiran: "Kieran always enjoyed music but through sessions specifically tailored for him, he has had the opportunity to experience influencing others, facilitating not only Kieran’s musical development but his social development too – deepening his experiences of human connection".
You have always been there, I have faith in Rose Road because you know us so well.
Angela continues: "Rose Road are there for me too. When Kieran's dad passed away 16 years ago, Rose Road supported me through that and that amazing support has continued for me to this day.
Keiran’s content at Rose Road, he’s somewhere he knows, that feels safe and familiar. He's had new opportunities to engage with peers, he likes the mix of trips out and the ability to chill in a familiar space.
It makes Kieran feel secure, be more sociable, express himself and be heard.
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.