Betsy’s Rainbow Badges: A Story of Inclusion

Betsy’s mum Rachel got in touch to tell us about her daughter’s experience of attending Rainbows.
Not only has Betsy collected an impressive number of badges, but she has developed in so many other ways, all the result of the Rainbows unit being run in a truly inclusive way.

 

Written by Betsy’s mum Rachel

Recently, our friend and volunteer at our local Rainbow’s unit, Rebecca, offered to sew all of my daughter’s badges onto her Girl Guiding blanket. Extremely grateful for this kind offer, I handed a pile of badges that Betsy has collected over two year of badges. Each one marking skills and achievements that my daughter has gained. This is the last few months of Betsy being a Rainbow as soon she will move up to Brownies. She has made some fantastic memories with Rainbows and her badge collection is testament to that!

When my daughter Betsy turned five I thought it would be lovely for her to join a Rainbows unit. With Betsy attending a special school, I’ve always felt it is important for her to be part of her local community in Northumberland. I asked for recommendations and we found a Girl Guiding unit in a neighbouring village.

Betsy’s Needs

I emailed the group leader and explained that Betsy has Down’s syndrome. I set out her needs to see if the group would be a good fit. Marguerita was very welcoming and assured me she has a lot of experience in working with children with SEND. She said she has already incorporated Makaton into the group’s work. The Rainbow’s ‘Promise’ is spoken and signed in Makaton. This was so encouraging to hear so I took Betsy along for an initial visit.

I sat in the room for the first session and saw immediately that Betsy was very comfortable. There were plenty of volunteers to keep an eye on her. She took a immediate liking to Paige, one of the older girls in Rangers who is training to be a Girl Guiding Leader. In fact she still adores her to this day!

Betsy started attending weekly. I sit in a separate room just in case I’m needed as Betsy does have complex needs. But she attends the session, with the support of the volunteers, without me. Independence is something I am passionate about cultivating for my daughter. The use of Makaton and having a group leader who signs is so important in unlocking inclusion.

Betsy’s Rainbow Badges

Looking through the badges Betsy has collected sparks some memories of her experiences. Such as one marking a trip to Wallington Hall to meet all the other Girl Guiding units in Northumberland. The Making New Friends badge and the reminder of Camp Together, a massive event with so many fun activities that Betsy attended for the day. Paige was an absolute hero that day, supporting Betsy on inflatable obstacle courses and slides for hours!

Rainbows has given Betsy opportunities that she wouldn’t have had otherwise. And it wouldn’t be possible without the knowledge and understanding about additional needs and the time the volunteers donate to work with the girls. I have always felt confident leaving Betsy in their expert care.

Inclusion for children with learning disabilities doesn’t just happen. It requires knowledge, thinking ahead and an inclusive attitude. Marguerita has gone above and beyond to ensure Betsy can access everything the other Rainbows do. We are so grateful to have found such a wonderful group in our community and are looking forward to Betsy having many more adventures with Girl Guiding in future.

Thankyou to the whole team!
~ Rachel

 

You can also read about Betsy’s experience of inclusion in dance lessons, also written by her mum Rachel.

 

If you know a child or young person who has Down’s syndrome and attends an activity or sporting session that would like to know more about Down’s syndrome, email DSActive at dsactive@downs-syndrome.org.uk

Alternatively call our telephone helpline on 0333 1212 300