Meet J
J is a vibrant 25‑year‑old who has lived at Martha Trust since 2019, joining the community at just 19. Known for his cheeky sense of humour and love of time spent in the Activities Centre, J has always been an expressive young man with a strong connection to the people around him.
A Change in Health That Changed Communication
As J transitioned from his teenage years into adulthood, he experienced a significant increase in seizures. This had a profound impact on his ability to communicate.
Before this change in his health, J was able to say many words clearly and confidently. But as his seizures intensified, his verbal communication stopped almost entirely. It was a difficult period for J and for those who knew how much he loved to interact with the world.
Thanks to the dedication of his health team, J’s seizures have now been medically stabilised. As his health improved, so too did glimpses of the J everyone knew—engaged, expressive, and ready to reconnect.
A Tailored Communication Programme to Support J’s Recovery
With J showing signs of wanting to communicate again, our Activities Lead, Natalie, began developing a personalised communication programme to help him regain some of the skills he had lost.
One of J’s favourite places is the Big Screen in the Activities Centre. Natalie has been using a programme called Big Bang, which allows J to select pictures and encourages him to say the associated word. The focus has been on reintroducing words he used to verbalise.
Alongside these, J has also been working on recognising and naming some of his favourite characters.
J has already begun saying some of these words again. His speech is slower and less clear than before, but the progress is unmistakable—and incredibly encouraging.
Reintroducing Eye Gaze: A Turning Point
J has his own Eye Gaze unit, generously funded by his family. Before his seizures increased, he loved using it. But during the period when his health was more unstable, he lost interest.
Natalie has been gently reintroducing Eye Gaze using a new, more accessible software called Snap Express. The difference has been remarkable. J is now showing real interest again, exploring the screen, making choices, and engaging with activities that give him independence and control.
One of his favourite Eye Gaze programmes is Choose and Tell, which allows him to build stories using images. His top choice is Yankee Doodle Dandy, and his stories almost always feature one of his favourite things—a packet of crisps.
The Impact
J’s tailored communication programme has helped him:
- Rebuild confidence in using his voice
- Reconnect with familiar words and characters
- Re-engage with Eye Gaze technology
- Express preferences and humour through storytelling
- Enjoy meaningful time in the Activities Centre, a place he loves
Most importantly, it has given J an opportunity to be heard again in ways that reflect his personality.
Looking Ahead
J’s journey is ongoing, and his progress is a testament to the power of personalised support, patience, and the right technology. With continued encouragement from Natalie and the wider team, J is rediscovering his voice—one word, one picture, and one story at a time.