It is not always practical for a whole event or activity to be specifically designed for those with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD), however there are tools which can be provided alongside your event to make it more accessible to many of the children attending.

Layering on communication tools & vocabulary

For those who rely on augmented communication aids, makaton signs or PECS (Picture Exchange Card System) with the key vocabulary to accompany the activity can be a huge help, allowing the child to be offered choices putting them in the driving seat.

Depending on the physical abilities of the child using this process of choice making can mean that they can still be fully involved in most activities, even if they are not physically able to carry out the task, the adult or accompanying child can become their hands where need be.

Switches can also be provided as a way of offering confirmation of a choice.

With enough advanced knowledge of the planned activity we can also advise ways that they can become more physically accessible (reviewing layout, laptop trays and tools such as easier to hold paintbrushes etc..)

Useful for all

The wonderful thing about may of these tools is that they have no detrimental effect to those who do not require them and often end up being used by younger attendees and those with a wider spectrum of needs, such as autism.

Building an inclusive community

By having these communication aids embedded in your event you create a culture of inclusion. One parent told us:

“I could see a little boy watching me using the PECS cards to offer choices, he came over and asked if he could also smell the lemon which my son has chosen to smell. When e offered the next choice he took part in choosing which items we were going to offer and watched to try to understand how my son was making his choice known to us. Having a way of my son having a voice and an active way taking part in the activity allowed him to play with his peer in a way which wouldn’t have been able to otherwise”