Bridge College award winning debut at Tatton

Bridge College students made a triumphant debut at the RHS Tatton Park Flower Show this week (Tuesday 20th July 2010) after they were awarded a Silver Medal for ‘The Rhythm of Bridge’ display at the event. The garden, which was unveiled by Coronation Street star Sue Nicholls, is designed to enable those with profound and complex learning difficulties to enjoy a wide range of sensory experiences – scents, colour, texture and sounds.

Created by the students who have learning difficulties and disabilities and their tutor, Will Lyon, The Rhythm of Bridge features a series of sensory experiences  including an innovative ‘sound sculpture’ which uses sensor technology to translate body movements into digitally generated sound.

“The Rhythm of Bridge is the result of lots of time, hard work and commitment from staff and students at the College, so we’re really proud to be awarded this prestigious accolade and share our achievements on such a public stage,” said Will. “2010 is our first year at the RHS Tatton Park Flower Show and it’s proven to be a fantastic opportunity to show off the skills and ideas of our students, as well as raise awareness of the challenges faced by people with complex disabilities.

Through the project, we aim to show that it’s possible to create a fully inclusive environment where anyone, with any degree of disability, can enjoy nature at its fullest and be stimulated by their surroundings.”

Bridge College, operated by the Together Trust, is one of the only day colleges in the country for students with multiple and complex learning needs including autism. Bridge College caters for 75 students aged 19-23 and specialises in supporting students with communication difficulties.