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Parents with Learning Disabilities & New Technology

Published by Steve Day on 01 May 2008 at 02:05pm Topics: none 1 Comment

Brandon Trust (based in the South West) and Symbol Family Support Service (based in Kent) have teamed up for the first time in a new partnership to plan a Family Assessment Centre for parents with learning disabilities. We are on a roll with this ‘idea’ - in fact it has gone beyond the ‘good idea’ stage, we are now actively planning its implementation. As part of this process wWe intend to use Assistive Technology as a medium to enhance this work. The Festival of Ideas in London generated a number of new avenues to follow up - Enabled By Design and Stars In The Sky looked particularly interesting. The thing is, to look at what is behind the ‘idea’; in this case it is about parents and children who fall into difficulties finding they can access support in ways which they relate to. We are moving on this; if you can relate to what we’re doing we would be pleased to hear from you.

One response to 'Parents with Learning Disabilities & New Technology'

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  1. 1 Ann Collins
    May 23rd, 2008 at 9:08 am

    This is a really exciting and hitherto unprecedented application of assistive technology which could have very real outcomes in terms of enabling families to stay together.

    Our project aims to establish where assistive technology can manage issues which would ordinarily threaten the viability of a child remaining at home with a parent/s who have a learning disability.

    Brandon are currently working with Symbol, drawing on the expertise of both organisations, to establish whether assistive technology can enhance existing strategies to develop and support parenting skills.

    We are currently gathering evidence of the principal reasons why the placement of a child with their parent/s may be deemed inappropriate and looking at ways that technology may address any skills deficits without compromising the wellbeing of the child.

    How many times do you hear parents saying that they wish they had eyes in the back of their heads?

    We will be looking at technology that can provide alerts which will minimise risk.

    How many times do you hear parents talking about the importance of routine to a child?

    We will be looking at technology that prompts parents to establish a routine for their child and ensures that the necessary support is provided.

    How often do you hear people saying that they needed help but they didn’t know who to turn to?

    We will be looking at technology which can enable individuals to proactively access remote support and guidance from support staff and family members when needed.

    How often do you find that people fail because their assessments are time limited?

    We will also be looking at technology that can support the ongoing development and reinforcement of skills within the home environment.

    We would be really interested in any feedback or ideas that you may wish to share. Ann Collins - Assisitive Technology Project Manager.

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