making a
difference:
for the child
B
rody is two years old and has a
range of complex health issues.
His mum Terri-Leigh, tells the story:
“Brody is attached to various different
machines; one to help him breathe, a
syringe driver which delivers drugs to
help control his seizures, one for suction
and one for feeding. He also has a
machine that monitors his oxygen levels
and heart rate.
These machines
are on 24 hours
a day and need
to be monitored
day and night
to make sure
they’re working
properly.
6
“Brody has very little use of his muscles,
is completely non-mobile and needs help
doing everything. He uses a specially
designed chair, which keeps him secure
and comfortable and carries all the
equipment he needs.
“Acorns has helped him turn a corner.
They’ve helped manage Brody’s
complex needs and helped us as parents
understand his condition better and how
to give him the best possible care. It has
empowered us as parents. Any questions
or concerns we have, we can voice them
and Acorns are always there to advise
and give us the answers.”
Terri-Leigh,
Brody’s mum
Top right: At Acorns, Samuel loves to use
interactive technology, which is provided
to us by Lifelites. Although he has limited
movement, he can use Eye-Gaze, which
enables him to communicate by using his
eyes rather than his hands.
Samuel’s mum Stephanie explains:
“Technology is really important for
Samuel; it’s a way for him to express
himself. Even though he can’t reply, the
technology allows him to make decisions
and be independent.
“He’s very driven and motivated to do
things. Acorns is one of the places that
helps him fulfil his potential.”
Bottom right: Maariyah, 16, receives
care at Acorns in Birmingham. This year
she has taken up the role of Acorns
Young Ambassador. Working with
and supported by our transition and
adolescent workers, ambassadors take
part in a variety of tasks, giving young
people at Acorns a voice, confidence and
encouraging contribution to issues that
matter to them.