distance learning > ben's story

Ben's Story

"Our son Ben met Lucienne in 2003, and she explained about the new technique being pioneered by Touch the Sky to help children like Ben get more out of life.

We felt that Ben would really benefit from 1:1 therapy to help him improve his academic and social skills. We also thought it would be a good way to use his free time constructively, as he can often get very bored at home. We decided to sign up to the Touch the Sky interactive learning service. Touch the Sky provided us with all the audiovisual technology and helped us learn how to use it, which has been surprisingly simple! It means that Ben and Lucienne can see, hear and speak to each other over a live link, just as if they were in the same room. We also use the camera ourselves to discuss Ben’s progress with Lucienne.

Ben has been learning with Lucienne for 2 hours a week for 6 months, using Shakespeare-related material as the basis for a wide range of therapy. Sessions have covered history, music and drama. We wanted Lucienne to help Ben use and improve his voice skills, which had been identified by his care staff and college as a key goal. She has also taught Ben presentation methods and general social interaction skills, which we hope will be useful in later life situations such as interviews and the workplace.

Ben really enjoys his sessions with Lucienne, and especially the special way of learning via videolink! He has developed a love of Shakespeare, and gets out books from the library to continue reading in his spare time. The therapy has also helped Ben achieve more academically. He has been able to meet his IEP target of controlling his voice and disciplining his way of talking. The work done during the sessions can also be used for accreditation in exams. We are hoping that Lucienne will continue to teach Ben to help him get his GCSE in Performing Arts, which would be a really big achievement.

We cannot emphasise how much difference Touch the Sky has made to Ben’s quality of life, in terms of building his self esteem and helping him work on his voice skills. It has also helped us as his carers. The therapy has given Ben something enjoyable to do in his spare time, while giving us the confidence that it is making a real difference to how he will get on in life."

From Mr and Mrs Brookes