A voice for adults with learning disabilities – their chance to be truly understood

Our successful Big Give Christmas Challenge, which ran for one week in November, raised money to buy more iPads for our services and an unlimited licence for the MyChoicePad app.

When people with learning disabilities are given the technology to communicate their thoughts and feelings it can make such a huge difference to their lives. Everyone is unique in how they express themselves, and many of the people we support communicate in different ways.

We have been using an app, called MyChoicePad, which uses 4000 Makaton (universal sign language) signs and pictures to help people to communicate and express their feelings clearly and make choices.

MyChoicePad is being used on iPads in our services and we are seeing remarkable results, with people having meaningful two-way conversations with their carers and are visibly happier, more engaged and calmer as a result.

Ange Kinder (pictured above with Sharon) volunteers at our Trafford Day and Community Service in Manchester. She helps support two people who regularly sign and has been using MyChoicePad.

It has been great for me to learn more Makaton and see how pleased they are to have quality communication with me, rather than me guessing at what they are signing which is incredibly frustrating for both of us. Sharon has taken great pleasure in showing me the signs and correcting me when her version of the sign is slightly different. – Ange Kinder

Technology expands communications choices for the people we support. This freedom, along with learning new skills, all helps build their self-esteem. They’re able to get across what they need to say. It’s the most rewarding part of my job to see the smiles on their faces as they achieve new goals. Karen Bannister, FitzRoy Deputy Manager