Communication and staying connected
Examples of rights-based action
Travel Buddy Scheme – My Life My Choice
Travel Buddy is travel training scheme developed for adults who have a learning disability.
The training helps to support people in Oxfordshire to build the skills and confidence needed to travel independently using public transport like buses and trains, or on foot.
You can call Rachael on 01865 204241 or email Rachael@mylifemychoice.org.uk if you have questions or would like to connect with My Life My Choice on this work.
Supporting people with learning disabilities to use technology toolkit – SeeAbility
SeeAbility said that throughout the pandemic, people told them of the challenges they have faced without any guidance on supporting people with learning disabilities to use everyday technologies.
Many people realised that they need help to develop their skills, knowledge and confidence in this area. SeeAbility and The Open University worked together to produce a free toolkit for people who manage services and supervise carers and support staff.
Supporting people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, Core and Essential Service Standards – PMLD Link
These standards were designed to improve the lives and life experiences of people with profound and multiple learning disabilities.
The aim of them is to support in ensuring people with profound and multiple learning disabilities have access to high-quality support when supported by any service provider. Their ambition was that these Standards will be adopted nationally.
Making Connections and Building Community Board Game – Exclusively Inclusive
Exclusively Inclusive is a voluntary community group working to reduce social isolation and support people to connect and develop friendships and relationships.
They have developed a board game to help encourage people to do this.
Computer Buddies – My Life My Choice
The Computer Buddy project is for adults with a learning disability to support them to use technology and get online.
The project provides a free laptop or iPad to it’s members and free support and training to use it.
The project has helped it’s members connect with family and friends online as well as professionals like dentists and GPs.
Nice Twice Club
Nice Twice Club is a campaign launched in 2023 led by citizens of Hull. It aims to improve venue accessibility and inclusion by providing bespoke non-judgmental and encouraging support to the art scene in Hull.
The Nice Twice Club is ran by a group of people with different lived experience of disability. Art venues in Hull can sign up to become part of the “Club”, this club offers likeminded shared values, bespoke advice and support directly from people with lived experience and access to inclusion resources.
The group developed the campaign from a number of community led conversations where citizens of Hull discussed and share their assets, skills and values. A shared mutual interest was discovered and with their determination and passion they created a new campaign together. The logo and name was co-produced and designed with the support from a local artist.
@Nicetwiceclub
Research and evidence in this area
Keeping connected and staying well – The Open University
Jane Seale, researcher from The Open University did a study looking at what support people with learning disabilities received to enable them to use technology to keep connected and stay well during the pandemic.
The research came up with eight important findings including how important in-home support is to use and benefit from technology.