main content A web design for different abilities

Attitudes and the approach to services for people with a learning disability are changing fast. Last year the Council rose to this challenge with a far-reaching modernisation of its learning disability services including a significant increase in funding of £1.6 million. It also provided additional funding of £830k to provide a greater range of housing options for people with learning disabilities.

The challenge for the Council is to give adults with a learning disability greater choice about how and where they live their lives just as their family, friends and neighbours do. But to make those choices it knows you need information and with this in mind the Council has launched an exciting and innovative website targeted specifically at people with learning difficulties and their carers.

Said Council Arthur, Executive Councillor for Adults and Community Services: “Most importantly we have involved adults with a learning disability at every stage of the web development. We have consulted with them on the design and language and the look and feel of the site as well as piloting it extensively through Sparks. The result is a great web site that has information to help with day to day living, which is fun, interactive and can be used by people of different abilities.”

The site contains information on issues ranging from the different housing options the Council offers through its Supported Living Initiative to where to eat in Bromley as well as information about advocacy, health care and leisure facilities.

To improve communications further the Council has also launched a newsletter to give adults with learning disabilities, their carers, staff and interested groups up to date information about the modernisation programme, what’s happening in Bromley and a host of other information. The newsletter is also designed to get feedback and commentary to help the Council continue its modernisation of services.

If you would like a copy of the news letter call our helpline on 020 8461 7777

ENDS

Notes to editors:
The Council agreed a significant increase of (£1.6m) in the Learning Disability budget for 20006/7, representing growth of 17%.

The Council agreed additional investment of £830k to facilitate the Supported Living Initiative.

Web design by ech Design, 020 8133 1461, contact Neil Graver.

Bromley Sparks is for people with learning difficulties who do not use services. Self advocacy is about people speaking up for themselves, standing up their rights and making choices about their lives sparks@bbadvocacy.org


For media enquiries, please email Amanda.day@bromley.gov.uk or call 020 8313 4390