Delegates share hopes and dream at Listen 2 Me 4 conference
Perfect Days
We had the great privilege of hosting Listen 2 Me 4 from the 22nd - 27th August. These wonderful events, organised by parents, have been hosted in Italy, Denmark, Catalonia and now Scotland. It was five perfect days of discussion, learning, fun and tears.
It was a joy to meet families from Catalonia, Spain, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Italy, Poland, England, Wales and Canada. The programme included practical activities in the arts, stress management, advice on after school provision and group homes led by Peter Fasung from Slovakia, Dr Joe Gibson discussed risk in outdoor activities and there were plenaries from Paul Hart on The Art of Being, David McCluskey on music and William Green on the importance of international working. We were lucky enough to be joined by Jenny Fletcher who supported our own staff with the children and it was a privilege to welcome Denis Loli from Hilton Perkins.
Ricard Lopez, with other parents, led workshops on the hopes and dreams of families. There was no surprise that mothers and fathers share the same dreams for their children, wherever they come from, and these wishes were hung on our wishing tree, that had been made by the Scottish siblings group, especially for the event.
Ursula Heinemann ,Sabine Kersten and Gillian Foster led the brothers and sisters programme and presented a wonderful DVD from the previous Listen 2 Me in Salou. Graham Hicks led a panel of young deafblind adults who told us about the things that are important to them.
As you might expect the social programme consisted of whisky tasting, bag pipes, Scottish dance and music from around the world. All the entertainment was provided by Sense Scotland staff or deafblind people themselves and it was wonderful to host the final dinner at TouchBase, our new centre. William entertained us on the last night with a number of songs, including "Perfect Day" and I would recommend the Canadian team led by Loney Hudson as a great country rock trio.
Huge thanks to everyone involved and we wish Listen 2 Me 5 all the best from everyone in Sense Scotland. DVD's of the conference are available by email:
Families create a "Wish Tree" at Listen 2 Me 4
One of the highlights of the conference was the 'Wish Tree', created by disabled children and adults during art sessions run by Sense Scotland. Delegates attached messages on leaves to the tree, sharing their hopes for their disabled sons and daughters.
"Dreams can be more fragile when their child is disabled because it can take a lot of organisation and resources to achieve simple things," said Gill Morbey. "Coming together gives people strength and confidence and the Wish Tree will be a lasting symbol of the connections families make."
Glasgow family the Lawsons, whose disabled daughter Toni is supported by Sense Scotland, and whose son is part of their siblings group shared their hopes:
"These events are really helpful; to just be able to meet other parents and bounce ideas off other people," explained father Tony. "Toni is doing really well at the moment and loves all the attention at these gatherings. The last conference I went to gave me a real boost and the siblings group for my son plays a big part in this."
Ricard Lopez (from Catalonia), parent of a deafblind child, is speaking at Listen 2 Me. He shared his hopes for his daughter's future: "Our dream is that Clara should be in a setting with other people like her and with professionals who are deafblindness specialists, carrying out activities and practicing interventions methods."
Some of the Wish Tree messages
- we are looking forward to Listen 2 Me 5 in Olomouc in the Czech Republic, 2010
- take time to love, respect and live life to the full
- I wish the people at Sense Scotland walk through the doors feeling special every day
- give everyone a voice of their own
- to have equal services for people who are deafblind all over the world
- we've played roles in many chapters of other's lives: thank you for being such true friends
- I wish for a world where not only everyone has a voice but everyone's voice is heard
Photo information:
The photo shows a visiting family from Catalonia (daughter Clara is deafblind) and Scottish parents the Kirkwoods (whose disabled daughter is supported by Sense Scotland) in the photo from left to right are:- Julia Maria Lopez I Martinez (sister of Clara)
- Ricard Lopez I Manzano (father of Clara)
- Clara Maria Lopez I Martinez
- Petry Martinez Hernandez (mother of Clara)
- Hammy Kirkwood (father of Siobhan)
- Ann Kirkwood (mother of Siobhan)
For more information contact:
Sense Scotland43 Middlesex Street
Kinning Park
Glasgow G41 1EE
Tel: +44 (0)141 429 0294
Fax: +44 (0)141 429 0295
Text: +44 (0)141 418 7170