Adapting traditional Scottish folktales in a multi-sensory way and using and evaluating them in schools and adult services for people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities

Aim: Our goal was to enable people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) to access, experience and engage with traditional Scottish Folktales. Method: Working in partnership with a Scottish storyteller, four traditional Scottish Folktales were identified, adapted and piloted in both schools and adult services. Observations, a semi-structured questionnaire and video footage were used to evaluate the outcomes of each story in both settings. Results: Individuals in both children and adult services responded well and engaged with the stories on a personal level but as a project the approach used by staff in both settings was very different. Conclusion: Multi-sensory storytelling is a valuable tool for engaging with people with PIMD. It provides opportunities to motivate and encourage staff development. The project contributed to the enhancement of staff skills and staff awareness in communicating with people with PIMD.