Aim To illustrate how learners with sensory disabilities were involved in the setting up of the Greater Merseyside Sensory Service from 2008/2010 Objectives To show how the learners contributed to the consultation and advisory process

LSC funded project sponsored by RNIB/Action for Blind People from 2008 to March 2010

To develop better more co-ordinated support for learners with sensory disabilities in Greater Merseyside so that they might progress more successfully to employment and independence Aims of Project

Research – Findings recommendations Stage 1. Research – Findings recommendations 57 learners involved Liverpool Community College Wirral Metropolitan College Hugh Baird College

Learner Focus Groups December 08- February 09 Purpose of Focus Groups Enabling current and former learners to express their views and experiences in respect to: - Employment ambitions - Barriers - Support

Establishment of the Service Stage 2. Establishment of the Service 12 learners involved Liverpool Community College Wirral Metropolitan College Hugh Baird College Learner Advisory Group Learner Focus Groups Delivering training LSC Conference

Learner Focus Group - November 2009 Purpose of Group To Consult learners about: Service Benefits Qualitative and Quality standards Future involvement in Advisory Groups and training Design of Logo

Learner Advisory Groups – Feb and March 2010 Remit of Group. - Advise Learner Advisory Groups – Feb and March 2010 Remit of Group - Advise - Provide ideas, information, experiences and opinions - Tasks - Link to the Practitioner Advisory Group

Activities of Group. - Agreed terms of reference Activities of Group - Agreed terms of reference - 3 learners from Liverpool Community College, Wirral Metropolitan College and Hugh Baird trialled the assessment tools - Promotion of equipment loan bank - 1 learner trialled a piece of equipment

Activities of Group - Evaluated promotional leaflet and Service website - Publicity photographs taken - Learner interviewed for an article published in All Together Now (Disability newspaper) - Planned contribution to LSC conference

Training delivered Connexions Jan 2010. - 2 learners Training delivered Connexions Jan 2010 - 2 learners - Transition experience - Advice and guidance Workbased Learning Providers Feb 2010 - 2 learners - Work placement experience - Evaluation of training “Strength of training was having sensory impaired people sharing their experiences and demonstrating equipment”

LSC Conference March 2010. - 2 learners. - Demonstrated equipment LSC Conference March 2010 - 2 learners - Demonstrated equipment - Presented their own experiences, - Involvement with the service - Benefit from Service - Career prospects

Lessons learnt Logistics of getting learners to attend group meetings - Communications - Schedule of meetings - Travel Support required - Interpreters - Adaptations-Braille - Learning Support Practitioners - Preparation for presentations

Agendas and minutes - Accessible - Meaningful - Worthwhile - Feedback