Class Oakโs latest topic is truly spellbinding! ๐ช
As part of their National 3 People and Society qualification unit looking at The Scottish Witch Trials, pupils from Class Oak took two fascinating trips to The Scottish Witch Trials Museum in Leven and The Witches` Maze in Crook of Devon. These outings gave the pupils a hands-on way to bring their classroom learning to life, sparking curiosity, discussion and creativity.
Outings like this are a wonderful way for pupils to connect with history, practice their social and communication skills out in the community and engage with learning in a fun environment.
Everyone had a brilliant time uncovering stories from the past and discovering the history behind their topic in a practical way! ๐งโโ๏ธ
The @scotlibdems will use their time in @scotparl tomorrow to debate a motion calling for the LDAN Bill to return to the policy agenda.
When the Scottish Government brought forward its agenda last month, we shared the disappointment felt by neurodivergent people and families at the decision to abandon the Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence (LDAN) Bill.
We work with neurodivergent people and families every day, and so know the LDAN Bill represented โ and can still represent โ an important opportunity. It would strengthen accountability, improve access to services, embed equality, and drive meaningful change.
This matters because it leaves Scotland without a national plan to remedy the many systemic injustices neurodivergent people and families experience daily. Since September, we have stressed to the Minister and parliamentarians the need for more strategic direction.
We welcome this debate and the opportunity to once again focus attention on the substantive changes families need and deserve. Neurodivergent people must remain at the heart of the Scottish Government`s priorities, with meaningful action that delivers lasting change.
#Policy #ScottishGovernment #Neurodivergence #LDANBill
The young adults supported by our Gate service recently took part in @scottishlibraries Wee Read. ๐
For us, reading plays a pivotal role in the lives of the people we support – opening doors to learning, creativity, and personal growth. For neurodivergent individuals, engaging with stories can also be a powerful tool for enhancing focus, communication and self-expression.
The young people demonstrated just how many different opportunities there are to read throughout a normal day:
๐ณ Following recipes in the kitchen
๐ฐ Flipping through a magazine to relax
๐ง Listening to audiobooks
๐ Unwinding over lunch with a favorite book
While audiobooks are already a regular part of Gateโs morning routine, everyone took things a step further during the #WeeRead by exploring reading in all its different formats. Everyone chose the style that suited them best!
It was a fantastic way to celebrate reading in all its forms. ๐
Lately, the young adults at Treehouse have been spending more time getting out and about in the local area. Theyโve been visiting nearby parks, dropping into community events and trying out local leisure facilities. ๐ณ
On the surface, it might look like a simple afternoon trip. But the real impact goes much deeper.
These outings give the people we support the time and space to get comfortable in new environments and build practical, everyday life skills at their own pace.
Over time, these regular outings turn into real confidence. Heading out into the community stops feeling like a challenge and it becomes an enjoyable part of the week, helping them build a true sense of belonging in the local area. ๐
To find out more about Treehouse, click the link in our bio and head to our website.
Connecting, learning and growing – one cup at a time! โ
Our Sensational Learning Centre pop-up coffee shop officially launched, and Week 1 with James was a huge success! James stepped behind the counter to serve our colleagues a variety of delicious coffees, raising ยฃ8 for our new pop-up fund. The pupils are already hard at work deciding what special treat or resource to spend their earnings on!
While a great coffee is a nice bonus, the real goal of this weekly initiative is learning through real-world interaction. Bringing learning into an everyday environment gives pupils a practical space to build communication skills, gain social confidence and apply what they learn in a meaningful context. ๐ฌ
At our Sensational Learning Centre, we understand that every learner is unique. By placing wellbeing, communication and relationships at the heart of everything we do, we help pupils build confidence, develop skills and achieve positive outcomes that prepare them for the future.
๐ To find out more about our Sensational Learning Centre, click the link in our bio and head to our website.
October is AAC Awareness Month, and weโre celebrating the incredible ways communication tools give neurodivergent young people a voice! ๐ฌ
At The Donaldson Trust, we know that communication looks different for everyone. Whether itโs high-tech AAC systems, communication books or visual symbols, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) breaks down barriers and opens up the world.
As our Speech and Language Therapist, Kirsten Lamb, highlights in her feature in SEN Magazine this month, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to communication.
When we find the communication system that fits the individual, every individual gets the opportunity to connect, participate and make their voice heard. ๐ฃ
๐ To catch up on Kirsten`s full article published in SEN Magazine this month click the link in our bio.
#AAC #InclusiveCommunication #AACAwarenessMonth #SpeechandLanguageTherapy
October is ADHD Awareness Month!
Did you know that around 37,000 children and young people in Scottish schools have ADHD?
Raising awareness is vital to ensuring neurodivergent young people get the understanding and support they deserve. When we increase understanding, we can:
๐ Reduce Stigma โ Challenge stereotypes and build a more inclusive society for everyone.
๐ Create Safe, Supportive Environments โ Ensure schools and communities adapt to meet individual needs so learners feel secure and understood.
๐ Celebrate Strengths โ Recognise the unique creativity, enthusiasm, and innovative thinking that ADHD minds bring.
At The Donaldson Trust, we are committed to creating neuro-inclusive environments where every individual feels supported, accepted, and valued.
education.scotland has put together a brilliant collection of free learning resources to help practitioners, parents and carers support ADHD learners.
๐ Click the link to read more: https://education.gov.scot/resources/neurodiversity/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/
#ADHDAwarenessMonth #ADHD #Neurodiversity
Have your say on Adult Autism Support! ๐ฃ
Clackmannanshire and Stirling Health and Social Care Partnership is seeking feedback from autistic adults, individuals who identify with autistic traits, families, carers, professionals, and community organisations.
Whether it`s the type of information and advice you need, how you prefer to access support, or the key barriers you face, your insights will play a crucial role in shaping effective, sustainable future services across Forth Valley.
Help guide what matters most and inform local support priorities.
๐ Click the link in our bio and take a few minutes to share your thoughts.
#AutismSupport #ForthValley #SupportServices #SocialCare #ASN
