Week in the life

What is this method?

Why use this method?

• Visual and creative

• Hands-on activity

• Works for different communication levels

• Creates meaningful discussion

• Captures real-life experiences

• Makes abstract concepts concrete

• Can be personalized easily

• Creates a lasting record

When to use it

• Daily routines and activities

• Service usage patterns

• Support needs assessment

• Community participation

• Social connections

• Choice and control

• Barriers and challenges

• Activity preferences

• Transport needs

• Time management

Running a session

What you'll need

Essential materials

• Large paper (A3 minimum or flip chart paper)

• Various pictures and symbols:Magazine cutouts Activity cards Personal photos (if participants wish to bring them) Symbol sets familiar to participants

• Coloured marker pens

• Glue sticks

• Stickers (smiley faces, hearts, stars)

• Scissors

• Blank cards for drawing

Support materials

• Communication aids

• Visual timetables

• Quiet space materials

• Sensory items

• Camera (for recording finished work)

• Consent forms

Session structure

1. Preparation (20 minutes)

• Set up accessible workspace

• Arrange materials within reach

• Display example timeline

• Prepare quiet space

• Set out communication supports

• Organize images by category

2. Introduction (15 minutes)

• Explain the activity using visual examples

• Show sample timeline

• Demonstrate how to choose and place activities

• Explain timing markers (morning, afternoon, evening)

• Set ground rules

• Get consent for photography

3. Creating timelines (45-60 minutes)

Step 1: Choosing activities

• Browse available images

• Select relevant activities

• Draw missing activities

• Consider different times of day/week

Step 2: Building the timeline

• Arrange activities chronologically

• Add timing markers

• Include regular activities

• Show different days of week

Step 3: Adding detail

• Mark locations

• Show who helps

• Indicate transport used

• Note choice levels

• Add emotional responses

Step 4: Highlighting preferences

• Use stickers for favourite activities

• Mark challenging times

• Show what works well

• Indicate desired changes

Making it accessible

Adaptations

• Use photos of participant's actual activities

• Include tactile elements

• Create digital versions

• Use talking mats approach

• Break into smaller steps

• Provide scribing support

Communication support

• Symbol-supported instructions

• Choice boards

• Yes/no indicators

• Communication passports

• Break cards

• Alternative pointing methods

Discussion prompts

Basic questions

• "What do you do first each day?"

• "Who helps you with this?"

• "Where does this happen?"

• "How do you get there?"

• "What happens next?"

Deeper exploration

• "Which activities do you choose yourself?"

• "What support makes things easier?"

• "What makes some activities difficult?"

• "Who are your favourite people to do things with?"

• "What would make your week better?"

Service-focused questions

• "Which services do you use?"

• "How do they help you?"

• "What works well?"

• "What could be better?"

• "What extra support would help?"

Using the information

During the session

• Take photos of completed timelines

• Note key discussion points

• Record specific challenges

• Capture positive experiences

• Document support needs

After the session

• Create accessible summaries

• Share findings appropriately

• Identify service improvements

• Plan follow-up actions

• Feed into service design

Success tips

• Prepare plenty of relevant images

• Allow enough time

• Follow participant's pace

• Value all contributions

• Keep it relaxed and fun

• Be flexible with the format

• Celebrate completion

• Show how information helps

Privacy and consent

• Get clear consent for photography

• Respect private information

• Store data securely

• Share appropriately

• Allow participants to keep their work