At Chailey Heritage Foundation, we continually explore innovative ways to help children and young people pursue their potential. Malachi amazed his support team and family by taking his first steps with the help of a walker in the immersive space in the Dream Centre, surrounded by an immersive experience designed just for him.Malachi was born with several complex health challenges: a condition that affects communication between his brain and eyes, a hearing impairment, and hypotonia which impacts his muscle tone. Doctors initially told Malachi's parents that he wouldn’t be able to walk, talk, or eat independently. However, thanks to specialist teachers and a groundbreaking approach at Chailey Heritage Foundation, Malachi is now on the move.‘Patterning’ is a technique that helps the brain associate through repetition. Malachi’s support team have been helping Malachi to repetitively use his legs in his walker so that his brain learns the pattern of stepping. But for this process to succeed, one crucial element was missing - motivation.Thanks to the sensory-rich experiences created especially for Malachi in the immersive space, such as vibrant fireworks displays paired with exciting sounds, Malachi was motivated to take his first steps to touch the bright projections on the wall. The positive associations Malachi associates with stepping forward to interact with his surroundings in the immersive space means he is transferring his newfound skill to everyday activities, such as walking from his classroom to the bathroom. Malachi can do so many things if you just give him the chance. To have Chailey Heritage Foundation as a partner, seeing the potential in your child and constantly searching for new ways that motivate and work specifically for him, is invaluable. - Malachi's Parents Through creativity, innovation and a focus on individual needs, Chailey Heritage Foundation is opening new doors for children like Malachi, helping them achieve what once seemed impossible.