Education

"My ideal teacher would have great awareness of my needs. I would like them to be organised and patient as these are things that I like in people."

 

"I want to meet my classmates before joining the class. I would say that I am an individual who thinks he is important. I feel that I am important because I have so much happiness. I would like to have the Jewish Torah in the room. I would like to have a computer."

 

Secular Education

 

 

University of Bolton-

Josh recently completed a module in the BA Education Studies programme. The course leader Rosemary Galway deserves much thanks for her continued support of Josh in this tremendous challenge. Here is Josh submitting his essay:

 

 

Overseas Residential School- We searched for a school with vision and ambition who were prepared to  enrol the most challenged students. The school we found had many of the necessary qualities and helped Joshua become more self sufficient and in control of his behaviour. However, his intellectual abilities were not recognised mainly because he was not given an effective means of communication. They did not believe in Facilitated Communication and would not allow Josh to use it.  He missed out by the absence of appropriate role models and the separation was hard not only for Josh but also his family.

 

Marian Stanton- Is the lead trainer and assessor at CANDLE communication and learning enterprises. She helped develop Joshua's Facilitated Communication skills as well as train his team of PA's; her assistance in differentiating his education curriculum at school was invaluable. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ken Pearson- Is a teacher with considerable experience in support needs and alternative approaches to holistic care. He worked with Joshua for three years covering a diverse range of subjects including Art,  English Literature, History, Geography, Mathematics and Biology. 

 

Religious Education

 

Religious High School- Joshua's life was enormously enriched by the time spent at this school. This serves our local Jewish community and provides both religious and secular studies. Joshua spent some time in the classroom amongst his peers but was able to learn on a one to one basis in a less challenging environment from the sensory point of view when necessary. He was able to forward relationships with his peers to their mutual benefit. Some of these friendships have endured. Please click here to view Joshua's prize giving presentation.

 

Yeshiva- It is great for Josh to be a Yeshiva student because learning is important to him. He has been welcomed and hopes to be increasingly involved. "Yoni and Aaron teach me Torah in Yeshiva and  improve   my quality of life."

 

 

 Learning in Yeshiva

 

 

This is me and Aaron         I am shaking my Lulav and

praying for forgiveness.       Ezrog (symbols of spiritual               We are having a party for Succos

Afterwards we throw into     unity) in a Succah (opened                       (Harvest Festival)

the river any sins we           roof hut)     

might of done this year. 

 

  

This is Rabbi Singer showing me and my facilitator                               Preparations for Passover

(Adam) how to blow the shofar  

 

 

                                                                           Siyum* on Chanukah

  

  * College of advanced Jewish studies

  *A siyum is a celebratory meal to mark the conclusion of a section of talmudic learning  

 

 

Josh's current big read

Summary: In That's Life, join Rabbi Y.Y. Rubinstein - popular lecturer, columnist and educator, in a captivating collection of uplifting essays as he takes us on an extraordinary world tour of inspiring lessons & real-life stories from a Jewish perspective.   Josh's opinion: I think Rabbi Y.Y. Rubinstein is amazing. He is a really great person. He understands people's situations very well. He approaches hard and often untouchable subjects and explains them very well. His approach to life is always very gentle and respecting.

 

 

Reb Zev Pozonavski- Teacher of Talmudic  studies who has been learning with Josh at home for the past five years. Together they have covered a number of texts, the completion of each of them has been marked by a celebratory meal, or "Siyum."

 

 

 

  

 

 

       Click here

 

Eliyahu Nizovsky- is a graduate of the Sharei Torah Yeshiva. He has known Josh for over five years having worked with him initially as a PA.

 

 

       

 

 

 

     Click here