Like flicking a switch

Our Learning Disability (LD) Team has joined forces with a specialist charity to provide life-changing adapted equipment.

For people with profound disabilities, the ability to control even the simplest activity, like turning on a light or starting a bubble machine, can mean a sense of freedom, connection and joy.

Thanks to support from local charity, The Accessible Resource Library, Speech and Language Therapist Eleanor Schagen and Occupational Therapist Rachel Bowen were able to introduce adaptive switch technology to the clients they support. The switches allow people to interact with their environment in ways that are new and exciting.

Here, we meet three housemates living in a supported apartment in Canterbury, who each found unique ways to benefit from the equipment, and experience greater choice in their daily lives.

'Seeing Lynne's cheeky personality was incredible'

Lynne Gower with Occupational Therapist Rachel Bowen and Debbie Godfrey, a speech and language therapy student

Lynne Gower, 63, has cerebral palsy and experiences persistent pain, particularly in her hands, making it difficult to hold objects. Lynne is non-verbal and often chooses to spend time alone due to frequent discomfort. Recognising her limited hand function, the LD team, through support from the charity, were loaned a foot-controlled bubble machine, offering a creative and accessible way for her to engage.

Rachel explained: “The simple setup had a huge impact. Lynne could make bubbles blow over her housemates, controlling the machine herself by starting and stopping it. She was so excited.”

Eleanor added: “Lynne is keen to have control over her environment. The bubbles brought laughter and interaction on a level beyond anything we’ve seen before. Seeing Lynne’s cheeky personality come through was incredible and something new. These moments are unforgettable and what we come to work for."

'We’re building Danny’s autonomy'

Rachel Bowen with Danny

Danny Broadhurst, 62, has a severe learning disability and poor eyesight.

Danny enjoys being around others and getting involved in group activities. To support his interests, Rachel arranged for him to try a switch-activated toy train from the library’s collection. The train pulled along a row of dominoes and when it reached the end of its track, the dominoes toppled in a satisfying cascade.

The simple cause-and-effect play brought visible delight to Danny, combining sensory fun with the joy of anticipation.

Rachel said: “We were surprised by how well Danny adapted to using switches. He loved knocking the dominoes down using the train. He needed some assistance keeping his hand on the switch long enough to operate the train, but he was clearly finding the experience exciting. We hope to get latch-on switches from the resource library to extend that time, allowing him more independence.”

Eleanor summed up the impact: “We’re building Danny’s autonomy, slowly but surely. These adaptations let him start and sustain activities he wouldn’t have otherwise managed.”

’Nicola can express what she wants and when’

Nicola using adaptive switch technology 

Nicola Smith is 47 years old and lives with profound and multiple disabilities, alongside severe scoliosis and chronic pain. For Nicola, whose life mostly involves having things done for her, being able to do even something simple, like turning on the lights, is life-changing. An adaptive switch from the resource library was an incredible experience for her – and the team noticed the difference it made.

“Nicola likes quieter environments and tends to spend time away from her housemates,” explained Rachel. “She has very little movement but can press a switch with one finger.

“We chose a specially adapted switch that we could attach to a sash around her body. She used the switch in a calm room, away from the group. She now operates it to turn on music, which she gets so much joy from. The change we have seen in her is enormous.”

Eleanor emphasises how significant this is when it comes to communication: “It’s about choice. Nicola can express what she wants and when, which is a huge shift for someone with her level of disability.”

"It's not just about having fun, it's about having a voice"

Occupational Therapist Rachel Bowen reflects on the importance of what she refers to as ‘occupational justice’. Recognising that everyone has the right to meaningful activities that give their life purpose and dignity:

"For many people with learning disabilities, opportunities to engage, choose and participate in everyday occupations are limited, due to lack of access. Using the resource library, we can provide adaptive technology that breaks down these barriers.

“When someone like Lynn can operate a bubble machine with her foot, or Nicola can turn on calming lights independently, it’s not just a fun activity; it’s about reclaiming control and having a voice in their lives.

“That’s what drives us at work and gives us so much job satisfaction in our roles. We are creating possibilities for autonomy and connection.”