Training

Delivered by experts by experience

We aim to improve the lives of people with learning disabilities by changing societal attitudes and by informing people in an inspiring way.

All of our training packages are co-produced and co-delivered by experts by experience, our members with learning disabilities and autism. Our training is designed to be highly interactive and engaging. Our training is most impactful when delivered in-person, but we can also deliver online workshops.

What We Offer

We provide bespoke training in addition to a range of off-the-shelf courses you can select from. Please contact our Training and Groups Coordinator Meg to discuss any other individualised training needs that your organisation may have.

This training aims to increase understanding of learning disabilities and autism. We believe this is the first and most important step in ensuring people with learning disabilities and autism are supported effectively. Our Experts by Experience (people with learning disabilities and autism) share their unique stories, covering:

  • Definitions and labels vs their lived experience
  • Social vs medical model of disability
  • Navigating the world: What barriers do they face?
  • The Legislation: Mental capacity and reasonable adjustments
  • Best practice: How can we support people with learning disabilities and autism?

To get the most out of this training, we recommend this package alongside our ‘Communication’ training.

Knowing how to communicate effectively is important for everyone. Ensuring that information shared is accessible empowers people with learning disabilities and autism and enables them to speak up and be heard. Throughout this training organisations will hear directly from people with learning disabilities and autism. The topics covered are:

  • Understanding different communication styles and needs
  • Overcoming barriers: What happens when communication breaks down?
  • Beyond words: Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC) and the role of technology
  • Our Top-Tips: Communicating with people with learning disabilities and autism (including verbal and non-verbal communication)
  • Easy Read: Theoretical and practical training to understand and practice creating accessible written information

Our self-advocacy course is designed for those who want to get better at speaking up for themselves or for those whose aim is to support others to make their voices heard. Our Experts by Experience will share their inspiring stories. The training includes the following topics:

  • What is self-advocacy?
  • Why is it important for people with learning disabilities and autism?
  • Implementing self-advocacy: The individual and the group
  • Being part of the bigger conversation: The self-advocacy network and campaigning
  • Our ‘Self-advocacy toolkit: A booklet for attendees to keep and refer back to when implementing self-advocacy into their lives.

What people say about working with us:

‘Brilliant well-thought-out presentation. Good knowledge.’, ‘Changed my perspective on people with learning difficulties’ – Learning Disability Awareness Training, Oxford Brookes University

‘I thought both presenters were great and really encouraging. It was so useful to have Shaun [expert by experience] at the session to help give feedback.’ –  Easy Read Training, West of England Centre for Inclusive Living (WECIL)

‘Very knowledgeable, friendly and organised. Hearing from people with lived experience is vital.’ – Learning Disabilities and Autism Training, Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS

Enquire or request a quote:

 yazz@mylifemychoice.org.uk

 01865 204214