e2train and Mencap work together to enable young people with learning disabilities to fulfil their dreams
e2train the Cirencester based e-learning company have recently started working with Mencap the UK's leading learning disability organisation. e2train are producing an effective and easy to use Youth Participation Toolkit aimed at young adults with learning difficulties. The Toolkit is designed to help them find clubs and activities in their community, as often they can feel overwhelmed by this task. It is the first time e-learning has been used in this way, in this particular market.
The Toolkit is being developed with the help of young adults with learning disabilities who initially tried out the various exercises and games. Their spirited feedback and experiences have been incorporated into the Toolkit to provide an empathetic approach with video footage and narrative.
e2train already has a proven history in producing customised e-learning for the business to business sector, so producing a toolkit aimed at this exceptional group of young people is seen as a pleasant diversion from corporate training.
Rob Caul, Managing Director said, "having almost uniquely been a supplier to blue chip organisations wishing to train their staff, it has been an interesting and fulfilling project looking at producing e-learning for young adults with learning disabilities".
The format of the toolkit consists of a facilitator's pack containing group exercises and trainer notes. It also contains instructions on how to use the toolkit, as well as using scanners, digital cameras and CD-Roms. The young adult's individual Tookit, will be small enough to hold a CD, social diary, notes and a text guide.
The Toolkit is broken down into four sections. Firstly addressing what activity the user wishes to do by helping to draw out their dreams and ambitions. Then the Toolkit helps them obtain further information such as using the internet. It then moves on to address other issues such as suitability, transport and cost. Finally armed with this knowledge and confidence, they can join clubs and use local amenities. The Toolkit allows them to work either on their own or as a group via a cartoon character that works on their behalf through the exercises and games.
When the Toolkit is completed, the user will have identified an activity, found out about it, planned it and completed it. They will then have a written record of what they did and this will provide the underpinning to use the Toolkit again to source further activities.
"We are excited about the potential of this product. The feedback I have suggests that e2train are developing a fabulous product that will be of great value to so many young adults with a learning disability currently excluded from so much of life, and will give them the skills and confidence to join clubs and activities" Tina Feather CST Regional Project Manager - Mencap.
The project hopes to go live in Autumn 2004, and represents the continued commitment by Mencap to ensure young people with learning disabilities are not excluded from leading a fulfilling social life.
Editor's notes
About e2train Limited
Founded in 2000 from the training division of Audiosoft Limited, e2train is a leading provider of learning systems and solutions to major organisations around the world. Its products include Kallidus® Learning Management System and Kallidus® Authoring system, as well as reselling products from Questionmarkä, Impaticaä and leading content providers such as Thomson NETg, Xebec and Harvard. e2train also provide bespoke content, integration and hosting services.
Other organisations currently benefiting from using e2train solutions include, O2, Chubb Insurance Europe, Bank of Ireland, House of Fraser, Waitrose, South Wales, West Mercia, Kent and Dorset Police, Mencap, Royal Air Force, Slaughter & May, Norton Rose, Carmarthenshire County Council, The Environment Agency.
About Mencap.
Mencap works with people with a learning disability and their families and carers, fighting to end discrimination and prejudice, and providing a wide range of quality services. There are around 1.5 million people with a learning disability in the UK. Learning disabilities have many different causes but are always lifelong, and can affect someone's life in many ways, causing difficulties in learning, communicating or doing everyday things. A learning disability does not prevent someone from learning and achieving a lot in life, if given the right support. For information about learning disability issues please call the Learning Disability Helpline (England) on 0808 808 1111 or visit www.mencap.co.uk. For Press Enquiries contact: 020 7696 5524