At first, the initial reaction was that this was so simple that surely it could not make that much difference but it was very important to appreciate that this was Ailis’s own suggested solution.
Ailis’s parents met with members of the community as well as service providers such as shops, churches, hotels, cafes etc.. and outlined the concept. They had cards, posters, window stickers, car stickers designed and printed as well as a small badges that she will wear in her community which acts as a reminder to people of her needs when they see her wearing it.
Ailis and her family were overwhelmed by the 100% support we received across all areas of the community. The support led to positive action and the community has truly “walked the walk”.
Ailis has started to do things she has never previously done, such as walk into the village on her own – baby steps at the moment but huge progress all the same. She has also gained the confidence to walk into shops on her own and pick up her medication from her pharmacy, milk and bread from her supermarket etc.. People are going out of their way to say Hello to Ailis and engage with her and it is wonderful to see the impact that this has on Ailis.
There has to be the potential to be roll this simple initiative out on a National Basis. It is clear that people in communities want to help kids and adults with disabilities but sometimes just don’t know how. The badge informs the people that this child/adult may need help and simple positive engagement either with the person directly or the parent can make a real difference.
Is it too unreasonable to dream of seeing this badge, and its meaning, becoming recognised on a national basis so the thousands of potential wearers can go to any town or city safe in the knowledge that many members of the local community will be there to help and assist.
While the simplicity of the initiative makes it easy to roll out, the real beauty is the cost of rolling it out would be very small. You would be looking at an awareness phase, some badges, some shop window and car stickers, some posters and the badges.
