This resource was created to offer people supportive and creative ways to work with story and people with profound and multiple learning disabilities during difficult times in their lives.
The resource is grounded in work that PAMIS has undertaken over the years and is informed by people with PMLD and what they have taught us. It also draws on elements of research undertaken by PAMIS, Occupational Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Mythology and the work of Carol Day . It is a practical toolkit to dip into and explore the world of story and emotion, packed with useful information that blends narrative and story in creative ways that we hope will inspire you to create your own stories to support the people you support.
Context of the Resource
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The resource is underpinned by narrative theory and approaches to support people with profound and multiple learning disabilities through the use of story
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It is person centred which means that the starting point is always the person who you are working with.
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It aims to be flexible and to allow parents / carers / teachers to use their own knowledge and expertise about the person they work with / care for
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This means that people will develop their own unique ways to use the story and work with the resource
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We do not specify a particular way of using the stories, but give you some ideas so that you can develop a way that works for you and your context. In doing this, we are recognising that everyone has the ability to be a story teller in their own unique way and that the stories we hear / tell in everyday life are all constructed according to the interaction of a person and their unique experiences.
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Don’t be afraid to experiment or use the stories in a way that works for you – there are no right or wrong answers!