Lights, camera, action!
When TV buff Joseph was offered the opportunity to perform in front of a camera, he jumped at the chance, especially as it gave him the opportunity to advise and reassure people with learning disabilities about Supported Living services.
Joseph who has Down’s Syndrome, was among a group of 10 people featured in a DVD commissioned by Walsall Learning Disabilities Services in partnership with Walsall Creative Development Team.
The
‘Path to my Door’ DVD, which formed part of a training package, highlights what people leaving residential care or living with a carer need to know when moving into Supported Living, focusing on tenancies. It supports the government’s Valuing People objectives aimed at helping people with learning disabilities and their families have a greater choice and control over where they live.
Lifeways service user Joseph, who lives on his own with support for 79 hours a week including night-time, said he was extremely proud to have been chosen to take part in the DVD.
He explained:
“It was fun to do as it is important to help other people understand what they need to do when they live in their own home with support.”
The DVD gives information on housing agencies and tenancies, as well as issues such as being a good neighbour and helping people understand their rights if things go wrong.
Joseph, who has mild learning disabilities, has a very active life, going to day centres or college most days. This year he is improving his cookery skills at college and he can be seen on the DVD demonstrating how he is a whiz with spaghetti. He also loves watching television and is a real fan of all the TV soaps.
Donna Smith, Varied Ability Arts Co-ordinator who helped oversee the filming project, said: “Joseph is a really good role model as he talks about the responsibilities of being a tenant. As well as being featured in the DVD, he was also part of the team making the decisions as to who would film the DVD and how it would be undertaken.”
For further information on the project please visit the creative development page on the Walsall Council website.
