Julie Dowling

Julie currently leads a successful Music and Movement class in Chard. She had previously joined a keep fit class and she soon realised that the pace of the activity might prove a challenge for some.

"I had joined a local keep fit class and by the time I had mastered one move the whole class was onto the next one! This made me think about how someone with sensory processing challenges, a learning disability or a physical disability may feel. With that in mind I established by own class, Music and Movement, and tailored the class to be person centred, communicating at different levels, celebrating each individual's achievements, whatever they might be."

Singing and signing is part of the class and each person partakes as they choose.

"The aim is to move about, using 'feel good' music in any way you wish and at your own pace.. and to have fun!"

Julie also sings and plays the acoustic guitar.

"I currently have interactive sessions for adults with learning disabilities in group settings, but also provide one-to-one sessions too. It is important to me that people in life are provided opportunities to listen to and engage in live music."

Julie has supported with learning disabilities for 27 years and has studied Somerset Total Communication to coordinator level, using signs, symbols, and speech. She has also studied Intensive Interaction to coordinator level.