Just five months after moving into his Bright Way accommodation, Jonathan is showing real signs of happiness as he flourishes working alongside his support team thanks largely to the use of Auslan.
Whether its morning routines with DSW Anna where he gets involved in preparing breakfast and his lunch, working on puzzles featuring farm animals or working with flash cards, many people have remarked on a lift in his mood and interactions.
MyPath and walks on the beach are also proving to be a winner for Jonathan, but it’s the ability to communicate with Anna and others through sign language that is resulting in stronger and more positive relationships with those around him.
I think what has made a huge difference for Jonathan is that some others use sign language with him.
“I think what has made a huge difference for Jonathan is that some others use sign language with him,” Anna says. “With people learning sign language and communicating with him he is so happy.
“I have shown a few signs to the Support Leaders and he comes in every day, taps on the window and is happy to interact with them and you can see big smiles when people sign back to him.”
Jonathan also enjoys walking around the Brighton site, something that offers an opportunity to observe others and see how they interact with one another.
“I have been working with Jonathon since he moved into Bright Way and I can see difference in him from the first time I met him to now,” Anna says. “He is a very gentle and polite gentleman.”
