NEW technology is helping people with learning and physical disabilities in York to connect with others and to share their experiences. Kate Liptrot reports.

IT'S fair to say technology has improved our lives in many ways; answers to questions are in the palm of our hand and it's easy to contact family and friends across the world.

A North Yorkshire-based charity has reported great success in using technology to improve the lives of people with complex learning disabilities.

The Wilf Ward Trust supports 35 people with a variety of learning and physical disabilities living in its houses in York - and many more across Yorkshire.

It is celebrating the success of an initiative which has seen residents given tablets in order to help aid their communication and development.

The technology has enabled people to make real choices in their lives, the trust said, as new activities can easily be viewed and researched. Holidays and days out can be photographically recorded on the tablet, to allow people to share their experiences with family and friends.

Martin Williams, a manager with the trust, said: “The tablets have brought stimulation, choices and independence to our customers, and increased communication with family members.

"Whilst laptop and desktop computers can seem quite daunting, the touch screen tablets are accessible and easy to use.

"They can be used to take photos and videos of holidays and days out, capturing those precious memories to share with families.

"Watching videos and films, listening to music and playing games are other things that can now be done independently with minimal support."

One resident who can become easily stressed due to severe autism is able to use his tablet to control sensory equipment such as coloured lights and music to help him relax, and another is able to use their tablet to learn maths skills.

The Wilf Ward Trust's residents are aged from 22 to 75-years-old with a variety of disabilities from moderate to profound learning disabilities, complex physical disabilities and with differing health needs, such as dementia.

The charity aims to help adults live the life they want to and to live as independently as possible.

One service has created a ‘memory bank’ with the people they support, and this is now shared with families. Another person, with support from staff, has set up a weekly blog with their family.

The initiative has been supported by Paradigm, a learning disability training and development organisation.

Cath Sell, director of resources, said: "We are passionate about person-centred support and wanted to explore introducing tablet technology to demonstrate continual development and an open and adventurous way of working which engages with the people we support and their families as partners.

"Communication tools are essential in our work and help to increase our customers health and wellbeing."

- Do you want to know more about being a support worker and how you can help someone live a fulfilling life? The Wilf Ward Family Trust is holding a recruitment day at York Guildhall from 11am until 3pm on September 7. To find out more, call Natasha Almond on 01904 782951.