January 2015 I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.....

With damage  to my central nervous system,   I was facing challenges that I didn’t know how to handle.

 I didn’t like people looking at me the way I was walking ‘funny’! 

Difficulties  with my right hand and fingers made shopping a nightmare, trying to get product off of shelves  and then paying !

People aren’t very patient  or tolerant when you have a hidden disability.

Thankfully I was advised by a friend, not a professional, to contact the Rainbow Centre. and the marvellous work they do through Conductive Education to help adults and children with neurological conditions. 

Such as Cerebral  Palsy, Parkinson’s  disease, Multiple Sclerosis,stroke, dyspraxia and acquired head injury.

I have been attending The Rainbow Centre for over 5 years and I am now a different person who through CE  I am learning to manage my motor disability and fine movement with more confidence and motivation 

I have made a new family of friends in my sessions and our Conductors and  staff are just wonderful..

Without the tremendous teaching of CE,  plus the dedication of the whole team for my individual well being, I would be in a bad place mentally and 

physically.  

 To help raise money during CE awareness week, I challenged myself to  try and play a short piece on a piano keyboard.  

With my fine motor skills  in my right hand not having much movement this was certainly going to push my boundaries. 

My first attempt was a finger at a time!

Goodness lots more to do to master a tinkling of the ivory’s.

After 5 days using  the strategies learnt from my sessions, 

I managed  to play a very short tune with both hands. 

I was elated as a small step has been taken.

My dream ambition after  lots and lots of practice would be to play 

Christmas Carols  to my grandchildren around the Christmas tree.  

If you can donate even a little it would be much appreciated. 

It would be loss to the community as there are appropriately around 

50 children and 40+ Adults,  who benefit from the expertise of CE in attending their appropriate sessions. 

The Rainbow  Centre means so much to so many. 

Our Second Family 

Thank you for taking the time to read this 

Julia Veal