York HUB
William Farrow is 19 and has Down’s Syndrome and therefore has a significant learning disability. He is also profoundly deaf and is nonverbal. He can struggle socially and sometimes needs encouragement to participate in different activities. William is very active, loves sport and likes to play to the best of his ability but he doesn't always grasp the rules and can be very competitive.
Through taking part in Super 1s, William is learning new skills and how to play as part of a team. To encourage him to join in and understand the various activities, instructions and rules are given clearly and demonstrated and he is praised when he does something well. This has helped him understand and enjoy sessions and continue to improve week by week. William looks forward to attending every week and hates to miss a session. He tries hard and wants to do well and his mum says that the sessions are an important part of his life.
Through Super 1s, he has made some good new friendships and, as the participants have a wide range of abilities, he is learning to encourage and to help those who are perhaps less able than himself. Super 1s provides him with the opportunity to meet, spend time and participate fully with friends he wouldn't otherwise see.
As well as giving him the opportunity to develop his cricket skills and to improve on them week by week, the variety of activities have really helped William increase his fitness, stamina, concentration and general health. William is more focussed than before he started playing cricket and critically, his self-esteem and confidence have increased.
William enjoys taking part in Super 1s, he has fun and it makes him happy. He loves the competitive element and is now looking forward to the future playing with his team and improving his cricketing skills.
“As a parent it feels good to watch your child join in with others in something which is not only beneficial to their health and wellbeing, but is also something which is fun and gives them great joy” - Carol Farrow, Mother