Mikey is 19 years old. Like a lot of young men his age he loves ball games. The game he loves the most is playing ‘inside basketball’ with his older brother. They put a waste paper bin on top of the wardrobe and shoot for goals.

However, unlike a lot of young men his age, Mikey was born with acute epilepsy. His first major seizure occurred when he was just 11months old.

Mikey would also have what are called ‘drop attacks’ where his muscles would suddenly lose strength and he would fall to the ground. He had to wear a helmet from 3-5 years to protect him from further injury. Imagine how difficult that would be.

The family had no idea of the impact that these seizures would have on the rest of Mikey’s life. Due to the severity of the seizures, he now has a severe intellectual disability. The doctors don’t know why this happened to Mikey. It could have happened to anyone. Mikey now has very high support needs. Someone needs to care for him 24 hours a day. 

Mikey’s family was delighted when a vacancy became available at HWNS’ Day Program at Belrose.

When he first commenced with the Day Program, it was difficult to get him to come inside. Mikey decided that he would much rather sit at the bus stop. You see, Mikey’s greatest love and passion is buses. He squeals with delight when he sees a bus and although it is lovely to witness this joy in him, it is important for him that he participates in new activities and learns new things.

Mikey is a persistent young man and soon it became apparent that it was going to be very difficult to encourage Mikey inside.

House With No Steps staff discovered that the key to getting him in the front door was constant stimulation and diversion. From the moment Mikey arrived in the morning staff stimulated him with various activities to distract him from the bus stop.

Mikey now happily participates in cooking class, art and crafts and he goes swimming once a week. Ball games are, of course, a huge hit. He delights in using the ball to play pranks on his mates and the staff by putting it where it is not meant to be. He finds this hilarious and shrieks with laughter. The staff love this and happily play along.

Mikey’s father, Robert, tells us, "Mikey has had such a fantastic year. He has made huge progress at House With No Steps."