For someone with autism, who is highly reliant on routine and structure, it can be incredibly difficult coping with the current coronavirus lock down.
Kelly Hull, Principal at Beechwood College, which provides education and care for young adults between 16 and 25 with ASC, shares an update on how the College has approached the challenge of supporting students at this time.
Seesaw and Facebook offer fun ways of setting home projects
“At the moment most of our residential students are still onsite and attending amended timetable classes, however a percentage of our day students are social distancing at home with their families. This is due to their underlying health needs and those of family members.
“Even though these day students cannot attend the College they are still in touch with their Lecturers, who set them projects via use of the Seesaw app. This is then supplemented by ‘how to’ videos on our Facebook page and phone and video calls to the homes.
“Some of the most popular projects we have set using Seesaw and Facebook so far have been making SloMo videos, making chocolate nests and apple pies, and of course art projects. Even our staff have enjoyed trying the activities with their families!”
Skype and Zoom have allowed families to maintain essential face-to-face contact with residential students
Kelly adds: “We also recognize the strain that our families are under being separated from loved ones at this anxious time. SeeSaw and Facebook, along with Skype and Zoom, have proved invaluable tools for providing the extra reassurance that is essential for the families of our residential students.
“Our parents have always taken a keen interest in the students’ work and we are seeing more parents than ever accessing Seesaw to follow the students’ educational progress at any time that suits them. They can see that we are promoting an adapted routine and that their loved ones are happily engaged in tasks and activities.”
If anyone would like to have a go at some of the projects we have set for our students go to our Facebook page @beechwoodcoll.
Beechwood College can still be contacted to discuss future referral options at www.beechwoodcollege.co.uk or telephone on 029 2039 4410.
