Agenda, decisions and minutes

Resolved: that Councillor Jacq Paschoud be confirmed at Chair of the task and finish group

Resolved: that Councillor Jacq Paschoud be confirmed at Chair of the task and finish group

The following non-pecuniary interests were declared:

Cllr Samantha Latouche was formally the Chair of Lewisham Speaking Up.

Cllr Jacq Paschoud has a close family member in receipt of a package of adult social care.

Cllr John Paschoud has a close family member in receipt of a package of adult social care.

The following non-pecuniary interests were declared:

Cllr Samantha Latouche was formally the Chair of Lewisham Speaking Up.

Cllr Jacq Paschoud has a close family member in receipt of a package of adult social care.

Cllr John Paschoud has a close family member in receipt of a package of adult social care.

Resolved: that the scoping report, including the key lines of enquiry and the timeline for the completion of the group’s work be agreed.

Cllr Paschoud, Chair, introduced the item by providing an outline of the proposal for a task and finish group (TFG) on digital inclusion for adults with learning disabilities.

1.1  The recent rapid increase in the use of digital technology for staying in touch with each other, among other things, has affected everyone in the community. However, people with a learning disability are among those who continue to be more likely to be digitally excluded.

1.2  Learning disability is quite poorly understood by most people and digital exclusion among those with a learning disability is due to a range of complex issues.

1.3  Most support for digital inclusion in based on demonstrating how to use particular devices or apps, but this is not always suitable for people with a learning disability as they are often more likely to have short-term memory issues and lose that skill over a number of weeks or months.

1.4  The intention of this TFG is to look at how to increase digital inclusion for people with a learning disability so that they’re able to use digital technology the way they need to – whether this be, for example, via a support worker or with equipment that has been provided to them.

1.5  The recent report on digital inclusion commissioned by Lewisham Speaking Up led to the idea for this TFG and the review should consider very carefully the findings and conclusions in order to support people with learning disabilities to enjoy to digital life that they want and need.

Will Davies, Lewisham Speaking Up, Director, delivered a presentation on their recent research into digital exclusion during the pandemic. This covered the barriers people with a learning disability face, what support they need, and what we can do to address the situation.

1.6  The research found that many people with a learning disability in Lewisham do not have access to suitable devices, reliable broadband, or support to use digital technology. It was stressed that providing a device solves only a very small part of the problem.

1.7  The research found that day service and other support providers in Lewisham do not have sufficient hardware, fast broadband, or trained support staff with the capacity to offer adequate support to people with learning disabilities using digital technology.

1.8  The research also noted that there are serious cost implications for organisations looking to upgrade their equipment and train staff to provide support like this.

1.9  The research noted that many carers (and family members) are also not adequately trained (or paid) to support people with learning disabilities to access digital technology.

1.10      Some of the suggestions to address digital exclusion among people with learning disabilities include: tying in digital inclusion with financial assessment; having paid workers or volunteers to help people; establishing a community chest to help with purchasing data and other small grants.

1.11      Providing training for support staff, and training on digital safety, were noted as particularly important.

1.12      It was also found that there is a clear  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.