OUR LIVES
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We are always talking to disabled children and their families to find out what they would like to see in the building, what's important to them and how our community centre could help to improve their lives.

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Here is a selection of some of the feedback we have had to the question:

What would you like to see in our Building for the Future?

Sensory rooms, area for water play, a garden equipped with a trampoline and sandpit. Arts and craft materials. Information/presentation area.

Facilities for formal and informal meetings with provision for speakers. A large ‘events' room.

After school and weekend clubs for those with social disabilities (Asperger's and high functioning autism etc). Most special needs activities are not appropriate for this group as their needs are highly specific, often unusual and require specifically trained carers.

A stage for drama productions. Two classrooms for training and teaching and an area for siblings and childcare. Lounge area for parents.

A place for Grace to meet other teenagers who have disabled brothers and sisters and big stuff in the playground. Most places now are too small for my son.

A hydrotherapy pool. Dark room, soft play area. Two-way mirrors so you can keep an eye on the children. Room for older children with things like pool tables in. Plenty of grab rails in the toilets.

A quiet room. A noisy room. A music room.

Happy Children. Parents receiving support and friendship.

The acoustics of the building need to be considered. Southampton University has a department that can help. Maybe a calm area for children who become over excited or distressed by visual or auditory stimulation? An area perhaps for smaller groups and meetings, teaching groups etc. A kitchen to self cater parties or to teach nutrition. Storage rooms to keep toys, craft items etc. Lockers to put belongings in during ‘soft play sessions' etc. Medical room large enough for a therapist's couch in.

Outside: Safe enough to let toddlers run free. i.e. no steps, exits that can be squeezed through or climbed over. Separate play equipment for ‘tinnies and biggies' - it is hard to supervise two kids at once when one wants to experiment on the big stuff. The TVAP works well. Simple humps and bumps in each for fun and to run and cycle over.

Campfire area - possibility to camp overnight? Washrooms and drinking water need to be available. An area of long grass to run through or have paths mowed through. Raised borders for flowers and veg. I like sensory gardens but kids aren't bothered. Picnic tables of different heights and styles (maybe ask an art college to help?) Lots of car parking! Recycling facilities. Miniature railways.

Coffee lounge for parents to meet and relax. Facilitators to run siblings club for all ages with staff to support any emotional needs. Emergency crèche. Facilities for running activities for more challenging children. Rooms to provide counselling/support for parents.

Therapies to compliment statutory provision. Library of books and articles for parents and children. Party hire. Accessible outdoor playground - wheelchair swing/roundabout etc.

A changing Place - the first in the area? My son has a lot of energy - I would like him to use it in a safe environment, without being judged for his SLD. A large TV screen to watch films communally. Meeting rooms. Room hire - often our homes can not accommodate a number of disabled children and families. Please don't forget disabled teenagers!

Something for the older children with severe learning disabilities eg . a disco room/art room/ cookery sessions. There isn't much for someone like John. Would you plan for any adult sessions in your building? When John is legally an adult he will still be a child mentally and it would be so wonderful for your dream building to still have a place for him.

A large screen - interactive whiteboard. Large books and toys. A garden that is wheelchair accessible with different heights of beds and flowers.

Accessibility for all. Accessible playground. Meetings rooms/conference room. Accessible toilets/bathrooms. Office Space. Kitchen/cafe/ Large Hall. Lots of accessible parking. Book Library.

A play area inside and out that would be a great place like you have said that would be an ideal social meeting place. Half term holiday club? Computer/games room. Social place for parents to meet.

Consideration for the adolescent child eg; ‘parent-free zones' with music and DVDs. Good care facilities for severely physically disabled( overhead hoists/beds/toilets/SPACE. This and much more.

Sensory Room. Soft play room. Music Room. Parents only room (there is very little chance to meet unless you are working).

Activities for different ages going on at the same time. Playpen enclosed area in cafe so I can have a coffee in peace! Outside play area enclosed and secure.