On behalf of Riding for the Disabled Association, Isle of Man group volunteers, we would like to say a huge "thank you" to Andy for the training session on Disability Awareness that we all recently attended.
The session that Andy delivered was both informative and interesting, and as volunteers working with riders with many different disabilities,  it was extremely helpful to be able to discuss scenarios with Andy and for him to offer us guidance to enhance our best practices.
The session also allowed for discussion within the group which we all found very helpful. It was an extremely productive morning, and very much enjoyed by us all.

The training was exactly what we need from our side and helps us with our actions and explained really well how they impact other people, everyone was really positive about their new knowledge following the course.

 

I worked with Andy on providing a consultation and training for EMEA Recruitment. He was always personable in every interaction, as well as constructive and informative. His training was engaging and received well by the team.

Andy is able to adapt his approach to the needs of the organisation and tailor his content accordingly.

Thank you, Andy, for assisting with our Diversity & Inclusion initiatives.

“I wanted to extend my gratitude to Andy Hodkin for delivering the Disability Awareness training session. The training was conducted in a professional manner, and it created a safe and comfortable space for participants to share their personal experiences. This aspect of the training was particularly commendable as it allowed for open dialogue and enhanced our understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. I found the practical tips provided during the training to be incredibly useful.
They offered valuable insights into how we can make our workplace more inclusive and accommodating for individuals with disabilities. Andy’s knowledge and expertise on the subject were evident throughout the session, and I appreciate the effort he put into sharing the insights with us. Overall, I believe that the Disability Awareness training has equipped the staff with the necessary tools and knowledge to create a more inclusive environment within our airport.
Thank you once again for facilitating the training session”.

I have just enjoyed two wonderful days of intensive training with Andy around autism, learning disabilities and setting up a supported living home. Prior to the training Andy spent time gathering information and observing the individuals at the heart of this project and made the training very specific. His training was filled with specific and relevant information, practical tips, life experiences and occasionally humour. He energised his audience and created an environment where everyone felt comfortable to interact, ask questions and share experiences. What a fantastic two days!

'You have been an absolute pleasure to work with. We really liked how you delivered the training and made us all feel comfortable to ask any questions. We all came away feeling more confident and now have the knowledge on how best to work with individuals with learning disabilities. You certainly gave us food for thought!’
- Marie

‘Andy- Your training was amazing, which will now give all our support workers the tools they need to support (names dedacted) to have a life that they deserve. What an exciting time for us, hopefully we can replicate this with other people who need help. Thank you so much'
-Steve

'This workshop was really informative and offered plenty of great reminders. It's definitely worth the time'- Manx Mencap

'Thank you for the course on Wednesday. I found it extremely beneficial, and I have been able to feedback positively to the RH team .The only feedback I have to you is I wish it could have been longer'- Rebecca House

'I just wanted to pass on my thanks for the course that you ran yesterday that 2 of my team from the SPC attended, both members of staff said it was great and that it gave them loads to think about in terms of working with children with AEN.  They chatted to the whole team about the course this morning in our staff briefing'- Ballacottier School

Andy is a very useful contact to have, he’s a fountain of useful tips and knowledge and I will definitely be coming to him for further advice in the future. I would highly recommend his services and training sessions, the team loved every minute.

‘We had a great day learning about how different visitors see the world and our farm, and how they can interact with the world around them.’
‘I now understand a lot more of the behaviours which people with different disabilities display.’
‘I’m excited to take what I’ve learnt with Andy and apply it to our School Tours!’

Disability Networks asked Andy of Disability Awareness to update the sections on Mental Health and Learning Disabilities for their website www.disabilitynetworks.info. Andy was great to work with, having many years of experience in these fields. His work was clear, logical, highly relevant and was delivered on time. We look forward to Andy keeping an eye on these sections and updating them in future as a volunteer

The training workshop on disability awareness was excellent. Andy is very knowledgeable in the subject area and was a pleasure to work with in customising the workshop for our needs

With his experience in disabilities and special needs, Andy has become a real asset to the Isle of Man Special Olympics organisation.

You connected with my son, even through virtual Covid times, in a way that meant so much to him, and to all of us. Your ideas and guidance will stay with us for a long time. Thank you

Your course on relationships and identity was fantastic. I still quote parts of it to my colleagues, as well as the families I work with. Thank you!

Thank you! I learnt more in the one hour session you did on communication than I have in any other communication course.

‘Thanks for coming to the meeting with me today, Andy. I was so nervous about it, but the way you explained everything before we went in made it all so much easier. I care for my son so much, and it’s so reassuring to know that somebody else does as well. I can’t thank you enough’

‘Thank you so much for the training today! You made a difficult subject easy to understand, and made me realise I knew more than I thought I did'