Lisa Williams

(Literal) bumps in the road are part of the fun!

Even the 2.5-hour drive down, which included a stop in Bunbury for lunch, became an enjoyable part of the experience itself.

Di and Jodi, the support workers who helped plan the trip and travelled with Lisa, noticed a significant and positive change in her behaviour on the journey down. Lisa normally expresses her emotions vocally, and when in vehicles will pull at her seatbelt. As soon as they set off though, she was calm and content, showing interest in her surroundings as she looked out at the changing scenery, engaging with the team and listening to music on the drive. Not even the occasional bumps in the road (those dang potholes!), and some very windy conditions could dampen the spirits, with Lisa thoroughly enjoying the sensations of the movements.

Caves & Turtles & Goats, oh my!

Throughout the trip, Di and Jodi made sure that Lisa got to experience a wide range of activities, designed to engage her senses and, most importantly, make sure she had fun!

A visit to the Bunbury aquariums gave Lisa the opportunity to get up close with fish and turtles, capturing her attention with the movements and colour. At Mammoth Cave, the quiet, dimly lit environment provided a peaceful setting where Lisa could explore at her own pace and hear the noises she made echo gently back to her.

Another highlight of the trip was the famous Busselton Jetty train ride, with the bumpy railway tracks providing more entertainment for Lisa. Later, the three ladies braved an accessible beach, and although the mats were covered in sand, perseverance and a chair with good wheels and great suspension won the battle, just in time to watch a beautiful sunset over calm waters together.

But perhaps the best and meaningful activity of them all was a visit to an animal farm where Lisa was able to interact directly with animals. She absolutely loved being able to see, hear and touch them. From holding the animals in her lap to having baby sheep, goats and cows feeding from bottles near her feet, these moments sparked so much enjoyment, with Lisa smiling, reaching out, and engaging with the animals and the experience.

A lasting positive impact

Beyond the activities and scenery, the true success of the trip lay in its personal impact on Lisa. Being away from her usual routine allowed her to experience new and stimulating interactions in a supportive environment with people she knows and trusts.

Perhaps most striking was the noticeable reduction in the behaviours that Lisa exhibits when she’s upset or distressed. She was calm and relaxed throughout much of the trip, often smiling and quietly taking in her surroundings. One particularly memorable moment came on the journey home, when Di noticed that Lisa looked peaceful and happy, with a huge smile on her face, a true reflection of the impact her trip away had on her.