Digital Inclusion and Learning for People with Learning Disabilities and Autism (DIAL)

Supporting People with Learning Disabilities and Autism (PWLD/A) to engage with digital technology utilising a range of activities to support learning and safety.  To develop alongside this a training programme around internet safety and accessibility that can be offered to other agencies such as schools, third sector groups etc. We have over 300+ members within our database, and we are encountering more PWLD/A every day, particularly those with high functioning Autism.

1. Develop a training programme around internet safety with a LD/A specific angle including sharing information inappropriately and vulnerably on social media, but also around use of apps etc. We would aim to work later with our members to take this into other settings with vulnerable people. We have done this successfully with Hate Crime awareness raising in partnership with Dyfed Powys police, co creating with our members powerful pieces of drama to go into schools, other 3rd sector organisations etc. This could provide us with a sustainable source of income as well as supporting our members to keep safe digitally.
2. Run basic digital learning and information courses that are specific to PWLD/A around how to use a mobile phone, how to use email, how to access necessary information. With the increase in online forms and information this is proving to be a necessary part of our work. Support around literacy will be provided as part of this.
3. Support the creation/development of an online game with our regular Gaming Club members that will engage current members to develop skills and confidence in an environment they in enable more people particularly with Autism, to access our organisation and consequently other services, broadening their horizons and opportunities. This game could also offer a revenue source to PPF.
4. Offer Women only opportunities to access Gaming within the organisation. We have had feedback from women attending the Gaming Club that they find the atmosphere intimidating and “too male”. A lot of the games are male focussed and leave our female members feeling alienated and not included. Including a Women’s Only space offers equal access and opportunity.
5. Develop accredited courses within the Training Centre around Coding, Creating podcasts and developing a YouTube channel.

Project Outcomes:

• Provided a safe space for adults with learning disabilities/autism that had been isolated or excluded from areas of society. This space enabled friendships to develop, skills to be developed and learnt and support to be established and provided online through the first Covid 19 lockdown.
• Provided opportunities for the group to use things like supermarket scanners to help with budgeting, and how to use local bus travel apps to plan journeys and explored the apps available for people to access around subjects such as mindfulness that help with managing mental health.
• Enabled Pembrokeshire People First to provide regular sessions with the local police officers particularly around scams.
• Extended Pembrokeshire People First membership in terms of number and geographical area.

Lessons Learned:

• To network with partner agencies e.g. attend more open events and workshops’.
• To make good use of digital technologies for collating and capturing evidence.