Olivia is 16 years old. She is blind with additional disabilities.
When Olivia first came to RNIB Pears Centre for Specialist Learning (formerly RNIB Rushton School and Children's Home) seven years ago, she struggled with all aspects of social skills, including walking and eating.
She was unable to tolerate almost any sounds and would scream so hard to drown them out she lost her voice.
The only sounds Olivia would tolerate were people's voices and the Spice Girls.
How RNIB Pears Centre helps Olivia
Our social care workers worked to build a relationship with Olivia, gradually introducing her to new sounds to get her engaging with her environment. She recently took her first few steps without any kind of support and now listens to all kinds of music and sounds.
"The staff at RNIB Pears Centre take such good care of Olivia. They have helped her to achieve so much.
Before she went there she was a very frustrated little girl who screamed at everything, we didn't know what to do. Now she is a happy young lady who enjoys herself to the full. It's amazing how much she has changed.
Olivia's learning life skills such as feeding herself and dressing herself. She can now feed herself and walks short distances by herself with staff to guide her.
Sending Olivia to the Pears Centre is the best thing we ever did for her, she is achieving far more than we ever thought possible. I am very proud to be her Mum!" - Natalie, Olivia's mum.
Make a donation
Donate online to RNIB Pears Centre's Christmas appeal today and you can help us provide wonderful experiences for the young people at RNIB Pears Centre. Art and craft materials, CDs and DVDs, sensory sessions, trips to the theatre and activity holidays mean so much to young people like Olivia.
Spread the word
Please help spread the word by sending a free Christmas eCard to your family and friends. All of the images have been created by young people with complex needs who are blind and partially sighted at RNIB Pears Centre for Specialist Learning.