This morning, Pádraig used the low tech communication device that was prepared for him with input from everybody by some specialists. It’s basically a printed table of content that points to more detailed questions and statements in a small booklet with laminated pages.

“Do you want to talk about your clothes?” Oh my God, not again!

“Do you want to talk about your feelings?” Come on! Maybe I do but certainly not with you!

“Are you hungry or thirsty?” Are you for real? I just finished breakfast!

“Would you like to go for a walk?” YES! — Going into the details, following the pointers into the booklet, and half a dozen questions later we know that Pádraig does neither want to go into the Botanics, nor into the park, nor around the block. What he wants to do is go hiking. So this Saturday, come rain or shine, we’ll go hiking!

So much for taking charge, not just of his life, but of ours too:)

And then… later on… someone had the idea to ask Pádraig to push his wheelchair. First back.

 

And then forward.

 

While listening to really loud, really cool, really feel-easy, rock music.

What a pair of MASSIVE firsts! Moving the wheelchair by himself. Who would ever have thought this would happen one day? Deciding where to go!?

It’s massive and it is definitely the way to go. If you ask me.