Making themselves heard

LOCAL speech and language therapists joined Manchester University to produce a training film to help people with learning disabilities to communicate.

A significant number of people with learning disabilities can’t speak, but can communicate in other ways — by signing, using pictures, symbols, or gestures.

However, people who support them may be unfamiliar with the methods.

The short DVD, which demonstrates various techniques, has been developed by Oldham’s communication therapy team, a joint Oldham Community Health Services and Oldham Council service.

The film and supporting booklet are now being piloted with agencies providing supported living to people with learning difficulties.

They will also be used by undergraduate speech and language students starting their first placement.

Alison Matthews, communication therapy team manager, said: “People with a learning disability have as much right to have their wishes heard as anyone else.

“However, in some cases, it can be difficult for new health and care workers who have only just met them to understand what it is they want.”

Linda Collier, from Manchester University, said: “The experiences gained by the students through such partnerships will remain with them throughout their student lives and into their work as speech and language therapists.”

To celebrate the launch of the film, shown at Rock Street Resource Centre, Oldham, people with learning difficulties took part in communication development activities such as learning to use signalong, symbols bingo and a music workshop.