By Mencap
This story from the Network was captured during a conversation and correspondence with Chloe Appleford, the Digital Communications Officer and Coordinator at Genesis Orwell Mencap a large organisation (approximately 95 staff and 10 volunteers) supporting between 120-180 people with a learning disability.
In this blog, Chloe shares group members; Dan and Carl's views about the new technology which was brought into Genesis Orwell after she sent an expression of interest to us regarding funding for our digital inclusion project called 'Let's Get Digital'.
Background
Genesis joined the Let's Get Digital project in September 2021 which, as Chloe explains, came at the perfect time for them; "In March 2021 the role of Digital Coordinator was created to enhance our digital offer, by means of creating social network platforms, updating the website, and developing online services."
As with many other groups Genesis had been running lots of activities online during the pandemic, but when they joined Let's Get Digital their focus was on supporting both staff and the people they support to continue to develop and engage with digital technology.
They received the digital equipment bursary from Let's Get Digital to make their own independent purchase of equipment that they felt would best serve the needs of their 50 or so digitally active members. They were also keen to make the digital world more inclusive and accessible to their members with more complex needs.
Purchased technology
With the funding they purchased three new PCs and two Acer tablets to meet the increased demand amongst members wishing to access the internet regularly during group sessions. They also purchased three Amazon Echo Dots to be used by those who are visually impaired to access the internet, ask questions, and listen to audio books. They also bought three iPads with a specific Proloquo2go app installed; a communication app for people who cannot speak or need help being understood.
Chloe describes this as "a simple yet powerful AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) tool so that our customers can let us know which activities they would like to do, what films they would like to watch, or even what they would like for lunch! This technology will allow both our verbal customers who struggle to communicate let us know precisely how they are feeling, alongside our nonverbal customers, who will be able to start making more choices about their own lives."
The final device they purchased was an iPad Pro as the main device to be used for their members with profound and multiple disabilities.
Chloe's intention at the time was to pursue further funding to eventually invest in Eye Gaze technology which she was aware would only be compatible with this particular model. Her application for additional funding from Let's Get Digital was recently successful and she is in the process of purchasing an iPad-Pro Skyle Eye Tracker case and a Windows Skyle Eye Gaze Tracker.
In her funding bid Chloe explained "People with profound, complex and multiple disabilities who have physical difficulties, and may not be able to access a computer or tablet the way others do, will be able to control the tablet and computers entirely with their eyes. This opens up a number of possibilities, both in terms of communication skills, and simply being able to browse the internet.
This will give individuals more independence and opportunities to make choices for themselves.
Challenges faced
Chloe explained that one of the challenges in her new role initially was engaging others to feel positive and confident about embarking on this continued digital inclusion journey "They have been so used to not having access to these things for so long, they have learned to make do without."
Chloe registered on the Digital Champions Network in October and was quick to complete the "Handling Communication Challenges" course and over the last few months she has seen "improved communication channels to promote the use of the equipment and this is helping us to overcome this issue, along with the seed funding which is being used to implement training on how best to use the technology confidently"
Although Genesis have only been participating in Let's Get Digital for a few short months their digital inclusion journey is already having real impact.
"A massive thank you to everyone that has been involved with this project. It has made such a huge difference and it's given us the opportunity to have a bit of a digital revolution at Genesis and hopefully really change some lives!"
Dan's story
Dan feels really relaxed when he uses the new devices and equipment at Genesis. He used to find it frustrating when the old equipment "wouldn't boot up correctly, we used to have error messages with our old computers!"
He really enjoys watching You Tube videos, listening to audio books and surfing the internet, as well as asking Alexa "random questions!"
He has recently learned how to transfer images from google into his own files, and his next goal is to learn how to transfer videos from his camera onto a computer.
Dan has had some IT training at college previously and has also had support at Genesis.
He has recently registered his interest in becoming an Aspire Champion so that he can help to support others too.
Dan - Genesis Orwell
Carl's story
Carl already had some digital know-how and confidence when the new equipment arrived at Genesis as he had received an Alexa as a birthday present as he loves to listen to music.
He was keen to support others using new and unfamiliar technology for the first time.
Carl knows from experience that technology can be frustrating; "There can be problems like logging in, WIFI problems... sometimes I figure it out myself, but I need help sometimes with new technology that I haven't used before and I ask my carer or a support worker"
In November, with support from Chloe, Carl registered on the Digital Champions Network and he is already making progress with the course "Supporting People Online".
He wants to encourage others to increase their digital confidence because "It's good to learn if you want to get a job or work somewhere. I would help them learn if they wanted me to show them."
Carl's favourite things to do using technology are "typing, using Google, and finding my favourite song names and typing them in lists"
His next goal is to learn how to video chat with his family.
Carl -Genesis Orwell
What is the Mencap Network?
In addition to Mencap, there are over 340 organisations working with us in communities across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, to respond to the local needs of people with a learning disability and their families.
Many of these Network Partners share our name as a local Mencap group and also may share our Mencap brand. All Network Partners share values while operating as independent charities with their own governance and strategy.
A diverse network of like-minded groups and organisations - both national and local - from large-scale service providers, to small social groups who organise sport activities over the weekends.
All share the same aim - to improve the lives of people with a learning disability and to increase the opportunities available to them in their local areas.
Visit our dedicated webpage to find out how to become a Network Partner.
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