Rhi’s story

When Rhi first arrived at National Star College, she presented with complex physical and communication needs that significantly impacted her comfort and ability to engage in college life. One of the immediate concerns was Rhi’s airway safety. Due to difficulties controlling her jaw position, particularly when lying down, Rhi’s jaw would often block her airway, creating distress and risk, both day and night, with a huge impact on her sleep quality. 

Prioritising safety and comfort 

During physiotherapy sessions, staff observed that when Rhi was lying down and her jaw was gently supported, she relaxed almost immediately and fell asleep. This insight became a turning point in understanding her needs. 

Rhi’s Physiotherapist shared: ‘Rhi was patient with us as we tried a variety of neck collars and head rests with her, and she would feedback on her comfort each time.  We also had to take her complex posture and head positioning into account, so it took a few tries to find the best   solution.’ 

Through this ambitious approach, Rhi was provided with effective support that works not only during sleep, but throughout the day and even during swimming sessions. As a result, Rhi began sleeping more comfortably and consistently, which had a profound impact on her overall wellbeing. With improved sleep, Rhi was able to better engage in therapies and participate more fully in college life. 

Rhi’s Residential Manager shared: ‘This new equipment has enabled Rhi to fully enjoy every aspect of college life. She now participates and engages in a variety of sessions and activities and actively contributes to student meetings.’ 

Finding Rhi’s voice 

Alongside supporting Rhi’s physical needs, enabling her to communicate effectively has been a major focus. The Speech and Language Therapy team has been instrumental in developing a consistent communication method, so that Rhi can make choices and be understood by everyone who works with her. 

Rhi uses her eyes to communicate. She gives a long blink for ‘yes’ and a steady stare for ‘no’. She enhances her messages through the use of facial expressions, arm movements, and her natural voice. Rhi’s communication book supports her understanding of language and her ability to share her ideas. Rhi also benefits from widgit symbols, which are colourful, simply-drawn illustrations representing specific concepts or words; these help her to understand what is happening and what is being talked about. 

Supportive communication partners give Rhi time to process what has been said before expecting a response. Support strategies such as talking to Rhi in a quiet and clutter‑free environment helps reduce distractions and makes it easier for her to concentrate and understand what is happening.  

Rhi’s Speech and Language Therapist shared: ‘Rhi has been using a communication book to express preferences and needs, giving her a reliable way to interact with others. In addition, she has been trialling an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) system that translates her blinking communication method into words and phrases for those around her. Utilising technology is helping to ensure Rhi’s voice is heard more clearly and consistently, supporting greater inclusion and autonomy.’

Supporting physical development and posture 

Rhi continues to work incredibly hard on her physical development during her time at college. Close collaboration between Occupational Therapy teams and Physiotherapy teams has ensured that her posture has been carefully monitored, with residential teams meeting her positional needs around the clock. 

When Rhi arrived at National Star, her shoulders were twisting to one side around her spinal rods, resulting in one hip hitching higher than the other, placing her at risk of further postural decline. To address this, Rhi was fitted with a custom-made compression garment providing bodice support, designed to help stabilise her posture and prevent further changes. Alongside this, physiotherapy focused on managing the tightness of muscles and stiffness of joints which caused her restricted movement.  

Rhi has participated in a wide range of interventions, including aquatic therapy, sessions on the Innowalk, and a structured passive movement programme. 

Rhi’s Physiotherapist shared: ‘Rhi has worked so hard on her physiotherapy, she’s out of her chair and being moved every day, and it has been incredible to see the progress she’s made with her posture and joint ranges.  This is all thanks to a team approach.  When she started, she couldn’t achieve a full stand on the Innowalk, nor could she use the arm handles due to the available ranges in her joints, but she can now do both.  Her stamina has also improved, and she can use the Innowalk for a full 30 minutes compared to the initial 10 minute sessions we started with.’ 

Through this consistent and holistic approach, Rhi’s posture has not only stopped deteriorating, but has improved during her time at National Star. She has gained increased movement and range through her arms and legs, supporting her comfort, function and quality of life. 

Looking ahead 

Rhi has achieved an enormous amount while at National Star. Her progress reflects not only her own determination and resilience, but also the consistent and collaborative work of the multi‑disciplinary team who support her. 

Rhi’s parents shared: ‘She has loved every minute, making new friends and learning new skills. She is now much more aware of her surroundings, and her communication skills have improved greatly. She will be very sad to leave this wonderful place. The care and support she has received have been second to none, we couldn’t have asked for better. You have all gone above and beyond to help her achieve her goals, and we are so grateful.’ 

By responding carefully to Rhi’s individual needs and focusing on what truly matters to her wellbeing, National Star has supported Rhi to continue into adult life, with new skills and self-awareness.