In addition, Brandon participated in UT's Speech and Hearing Department's speech therapy. Brandon has been to the clinic previously when he was very young, but this time Brandon focused on initiating conversation, trying to speak as clearly as possible, and development of phases to help Brandon converse with people. This also has bee a big success. I will never forget when Brandon told me to "hold on" while he gathered his thoughts to answer a question. He is now a non-stop talker at home. We are still working on talking to the public.
Brandon also had UT special education department help determine goals and objectives for Brandon to start a successful transition. They provided a student to work with Brandon one on one for 10 hours a week. Between all of the staff from UT, Brandon's school and Brandon's network we developed goals for independence and work, Brandon can make a few dishes for meals, shave, wash and fold his own clothes, tend to his own hygiene, plan and shop for food, and work at his job more independently. As part of this we also programmed Brandon's IPAD with tasks through Austimate so everyone was on the same page.
Lesli, Brandon's speech therapist has taught Brandon to make calls independently through FaceTime, develop Brandon's own schedule and using Brandon's communication device for speech when needed.
Through UT, Brandon has a job delivering mail, and doing odd office jobs needed in the department. We coordinated this job through the school and UT worked closely with Brandon to make sure he has the accommodations he needs. We are continuing this work and expanding it this summer. This meets several goals. Socialization and job development.
Sadly, the UT Transition Program has ended, but we will continue to go to the UT Speech and Hearing Center and hopefully participate in Best Buddies. Participation in the program really helped me to focused on what skills Brandon needs to work on to help him become more independent. So I am very grateful for the help.
We are now on to the summer. My goal with Brandon is to start moving Brandon to what life will be like after school. I want the transition to be smooth to have Brandon just continue on with all the activities and jobs we will set up as we transition away from the Adult Transition Program. This summer Brandon will still live in Austin with his companion Chris. He is working on Monday's in Dripping Springs with the Food Bank with other young adults working on their transition. Our first day was yesterday and Brandon really liked it. On Tuesday he is very busy with exercise at the Y, helping with the Beatles Show at the KOOP Radio, and working at UT in the afternoon. He will follow with speech therapy. Wednesdays are social days participating in two social groups. Thursday is just like Tuesday and Friday Brandon works at Top Notch and then to the Y. Our goal is to find the perfect job fit and we are continuing to trial several jobs. Thanks to all the employers willing to work with Brandon while he is developing these job skills.
Brandon continues to stay in Dripping Springs with me every weekend and will stay with me several weeks in August. So far this plan is working very well. Brandon has been very healthy this year and he stamina is much better. This has helped with Brandon's pursuit of the right job match.
Brandon and I did take a short vacation after school and the legislative session to the coast. It was great to have some time together and to relax. And of course we went to see Paul McCartney, Brandon could barely contain himself. I will leave the blog today with a few pictures.
Bandon at the coast
Brandon in Rockport with Uncle Jimmy Art'
At Paul McCartney
