Course to help work with disabled (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Course to help work with disabled

8:03pm Saturday 8th March 2008 in

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A group in Keighley is helping more organisations learn how to better serve disabled people.

People First, run by young adults with learning disabilities, has prepared an awareness training course.

It hopes businesses will take up the training package as well as public organisations.

Members have worked with organisations such as the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

They helped staff learn about the needs of people with learning disabilities and how to deal with such visitors.

People First - formerly Out There - has also advised Bradford Council departments about disability issues.

It is now due to help Airedale General Hospital redesign signs and leaflets to make them more understandable by learning disabled people and advising West Yorkshire Fire Authority on its new fire safety DVD for adults with learning disabilities.

People First treasurer James Brown said the full day's training could be tailored to any client group.

He said staff and volunteers could hear at first hand about the day-to-day access problems faced by the learning disabled.

He added: "It's showing what people with learning disabilities can do - like passing driving tests or doing exams.

"We're hoping businesses will take up the training so they can provide better customer services."

James said businesses and organisations were increasingly likely to come across people with learning disabilities.

He added: "They live in the community - if businesses call on people's doors they'll come across them."

Anyone interested can contact People First on (01535) 607222 or e-mail info.peoplefirst@btconnect.com.