2. 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

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

4. 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

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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

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

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

11. 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

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

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

14. 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

15. Agendas and minutes - Accessible - Meaningful - Worthwhile - Feedback