The Centre has raised some funds to cover the input of its own staff and further development of the resources on offer in consultation with people living and working in the borough over the coming 5 years. It is now looking to the various agencies and organisations in Newham to enlist their involvement in this exciting set of initiatives under the umbrella heading of 'The Living Lab'.

Background

Across East London there are a range of different organisations and individuals using digital cameras, video and computers in their work with people with learning disabilities.

There is recognition by these organisations that these ways of working can help to provide effective and high quality support for the learning disability community and there is commitment to extending this work and taking measures to support it and guarantee its quality.

Research at the Rix Centre has highlighted the potential of multimedia and ICT to enhance daily life, support and services for people with learning disabilities through the provision of accessible information and learning materials and the development of a 'Multimedia Advocacy' approach.

  'Multimedia Advocacy' is a   range of different ways in which people with learning disabilities can be supported to explore their personal options and make informed choices, tell their own stories, plan ahead and communicate day-to-day using cameras, videos, microphones and computers.

Aims

The Rix Centre wishes to work with all the organisations that support people with learning disabilities across East London to establish the model use multimedia and ICT for the benefit of people with learning disabilities in   four ways:

• Developing accessible information with service users
  Provision of accessible information, provided online in an accessible format, with an accent on young people, their families and front-line support staff sharing their knowledge and experience. General information about transition and specific local information to help people track down what they need in the area.
• Multimedia Advocacy across support agencies
  Multimedia advocacy implementation across the borough for all young people facing the challenges of Transition to enable effective self advocacy, communication and joined-up planning with all support agencies
• E-learning for transition
  E Learning accessible for people of all abilities in school, adult and community settings to provide education and support needed for independent life in the community
• Community support
  Community Network to join these initiatives together and provide a forum for maximum participation, building on existing connections and providing tools and support to extend and enhance participation

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