In this week's Everyone Everywhere story, we look at how we were able to help our local library in Aylesbury unscramble some equipment that was challenging them.
Beyond the college
In Aylesbury, our MacIntyre No Limits™ team and students are based on the local college premises. This is a great home base but it's important for us all to look beyond the college buildings and make connections in the local community.
This both supports our Post-16 education programme and each student's individual learning path.
A challenge at the library
A staff member had been talking about the library and needing someone to do a work experience placement. We were aware that the library has a sensory room, filled with expensive equipment.
One problem: library staff did not know how to use the equipment properly, so the room was a bit of a wasted opportunity.
No Limits steps in
We knew immediately this was something we could help with, as we have loads of experience with sensory equipment. We worked with library staff to get everything going and set up properly. Together, we created a warm and inviting sensory space for library patrons to use.
A shared venture
We began to think about how we could take this further and increase the impact on people in the local community.
The answer? A partnership with Aylesbury Library in which we run Seasonal Sensory Sessions on a Monday. These are aimed at people who have special education needs, but anyone can join in. We use the sensory room and other spaces to host multi-sensory activities and simple crafts.
These sessions have proved popular locally, with up to 20 people attending. They have increased both attendance at the library and awareness of MacIntyre and what is possible for autistic people and people with learning difficulties. In turn, it means that No Limits students have gained confidence in being able to make a contribution.
Electra says:
It is a free session in term time with a seasonal themed event every Monday in the afternoon to help people feel calm.
I find that the sensory room works well after a busy and tiring weekend as it has a relaxing element to it.
I do also enjoy playing some of the games on the projector myself mainly the Water and Star Ship games because they are fun and I can just focus on one thing.
Everyone Everywhere stories are published every Monday. You can read them all here.
