More Than Words: Facilitating Communication Expand Communication is an essential human need, as well as a fundamental and basic human right. Communication allows freedom of expression and recognising the right to communicate is essential when working with people with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD). This training is a thought provoking and highly interactive session specifically aimed at individuals and staff teams working with people with PMLD. “Opened my mind up for different ways to communicate………something to help me become more confident and braver”
Joining The Dots: Community Connecting Expand We know that disabled people and other people at risk of social isolation are often ‘tourists in their own community’. They are more likely to be unemployed, experience mental health difficulties and discrimination. Community connecting is a way for individuals to forge meaningful relationships and be part of their community. This training examines the concept of community connecting, explores thinking beyond services with a focus on a community development approach and provides an understanding of how to apply person centred tools to improve people’s quality of life. “This has enriched all our lives - staff, the people we support and the local community. We have developed and encouraged positive outcomes for all.”
Coproduction Masterclass Expand We know from experience that when you enable a solution to come from an individual or community rather than imposing a solution, the outcomes are likely to be more meaningful and long lasting. This training examines how to facilitate a shift in power and explore new ways of working and thinking to achieve both individualised and strategic coproduction. “Learning from people with lived experience who understand coproduction inside out, was a wonderful experience for me. Thank you for introducing me to some real possibilities that can make changes. You have really given me food for thought."
Accessible Communication Expand We know that everyone can communicate, no matter what their disability. People use a variety of different communication tools such as symbols, objects, words, electronic communicators and other more individualised forms of communication such as gestures that are particular to the person. We have two accessible communication training packages. Communication and people with learning disabilities gives an overview of how people with learning disabilities, including people with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) communicate. Making Written Things Easy to Understand shows you how to put written information into accessible formats for people with learning disabilities. These training packages can either be delivered individually or together as part of an extended programme. “I found the training very interesting and informative. It gave me practical advice on how I can work better with service users that don’t use words, which will help me daily in my job as a support worker.” “The course was interesting and everything was explained really well. The trainers were very approachable and friendly, good use of aids, interesting course. I really enjoyed it.”
Autism Awareness Expand We know that an ordinary life is achievable for anyone with the right support – and this includes people on the autistic spectrum. Our autism awareness training provides an insight into how people on the autistic spectrum may experience the world as well as a basic awareness of what autism is and how it can affect people. The training gives participants practical tips on how they can adapt their behaviour and the environment to provide good support to people on the autistic spectrum. It challenges myths and stereotypes about what people on the spectrum can and can’t do, and inspires participants to think beyond diagnosis towards ordinary lives. "Thought-provoking. As a police officer, I have more knowledge and will now give extra consideration when dealing with people on the autistic spectrum."