Providing children and young people with disabilities and their families engaging sensory experiences in imaginative ways is what the Aiming High project is all about.

For example we have visited Hansel and Gretel’s cottage, taken a journey under the sea and meet the three little pigs…

Natalie Nicholson, mother of two children has been to some sessions led by darts’ artists at Heatherwood School. This is her view:

'My 11 year old daughter has profound disabilities and the workshops have been inclusive so that she can join in. My nine year old niece has attended the sessions with us and she too has enjoyed the activities, proving that they have been created to hold the attention of young people who have a variety of requirements.

“I feel it important to give my daughter as many different experiences as possible, however sadly this is not as easily carried out as we would hope.  Access issues can be a large barrier, not just physical access but also finding things that are suitable for her to join in with at her level of understanding. 

As these creative sessions have been held in an environment my daughter is already familiar with, I felt we should at least give the sessions a go!

There has been dancing, painting and sports involved with each of the sessions, all suitably adapted for all abilities… but not so that just one person stands out as not being able to do it! 

For example, if we are painting on a large piece of paper on the floor, we all paint from our chairs using long sticks and string.  Therefore the children who are wheelchair users can still access the activity and the more able participants are experiencing different and creative ways of producing work!