Growing Gareth

Growing Gareth is part of the Switch Heroes series, social stories created to support switch users with their switch progression. The Switch Heroes series is part of the Seven Stages of Switch Development, created by Occupational Therapist and AT specialist Luke Thompson.

Growing Gareth is where you start to understand and use two switches to do two different things. You will have had plenty of practise with one switch, as well as using it with different parts of your body and for different activities. Now you have two switches at the same time, which are connected to two very different, simple activities.

Join Gareth on this exciting journey and discover the joy of using switches!

Luke Thompson has worked with children, young people, young adults, and their families for over 18 years. As an Occupational Therapist (OT), he has 9 years of clinical experience specialising in Neuro-disabilities and Assistive Technology (AT). Luke previously worked at Pace, Aylesbury, where he established and led the Assistive Technology service. He has also worked independently as a specialist Neuro-disabilities OT and a clinical consultant.Luke is highly skilled in assessing and treating individuals with Neuro-disabilities and complex physical disabilities. His areas of expertise include: - Augmentative and Alternative Communication Aids (AAC) - Power/manual wheelchairs, control systems and other mobility aids - Environmental controls and home adaptations: automated doors/windows, lights, hi-lo furniture, wash-dry toilets, hoists - Alternative access methods: switches, eye gaze, specialist joysticks, and keyboards - Posture management: seating systems, sleep systems - Daily living aids: dressing aids, adapted cutlery, personal care aids, writing toolsLuke's expertise extends beyond clinical practice. He is the creator of the Seven Stages of Switch Development and the Switch Heroes book series, the inventor of the patented Power Wheelchair Simulator, and the co-creator of the Pace MyWay app. Over the past several years, he has partnered with Imperial College London to develop cutting-edge tech solutions for people with disabilities, including through an Innovate UK-funded grant. Additionally, he has served as a clinical consultant for Enayball and on advisory boards for Gripable and Motion UK. Luke was also the business lead for the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) specialist interest group for Children, Young People, and Families, as well as on the board for the London AAC Clinical Excellence Network. His international contributions include supporting disabled and abandoned children in China through his work with International China Concern.Luke has presented on the subject of AT at several prestigious conferences, including ATIA 2024, TechAbility 2023, London AAC CEN, and Communication Matters 2023. His work has also been published in OT News and the Communication Matters Journal.Luke has experience in medico-legal occupational therapy and AT implementation, taking instructions from solicitors and case managers. He works with SMA for the preparation of Part 35 compliant technology reports, liaising with other members of the medico-legal team and OT expert.He is registered with the HCPC and is a member of the RCOT.

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