The health and social services staff from Norfolk Learning Difficulties Service (NLDS), in partnership with Norfolk County Council Assistive Technology Service, have been using a wide range of assistive technology to support people with learning disabilities across a variety of settings; own home, shared home & out and about.  This paper introduces a number of specific AT projects & generalised use of AT with people with learning disabilities and explores some of the personal and financial benefits of AT for this client group and the service.

Private Sector Leasing Project (funded by DOH Extra Care Housing Fund, 2008).  15 people with learning disabilities, previously living at home with older carers, supported to move into individual properties rented from the private sector.  AT solutions were included alongside more traditional forms of 'hands on support'.  Outcomes include increased confidence for individuals, reassurance for older carers enabling them to 'let go' and providing an alternative to residential care.

Community Homes Resettlement Project (current).
In line with Government policy we are supporting 70 people with complex learning disabilities to move out of NHS care into supported living.   Individuals will continue to receive 24Hr support and where appropriate this will be supplemented by AT.  It is hoped the use of AT will minimise risk, increase safety, independence and dignity and to provide a more responsive reaction to identified risks i.e. epilepsy.  We are exploring the use of AT to reduce the need for waking night staff.  The AT is being trialed in the NHS service prior to people moving & then transferred into their new homes.  An independent consultant is reviewing this pilot project; the focus of the review (which includes feedback from families, NHS and social care staff) is 'Is AT trusted?'.

Use of AT in other areas
We have used AT in a number of creative ways to support and assess people with learning disabilities living in the community.  This has included the use of an 'electronic' key located in a bracelet to enable an individual to access his bedroom and maintain his privacy.  We have successfully used the 'Just Checking’ monitoring system to assess the need for additional night staff in a shared supported living scheme - the system provided us with sufficient data to enable the team to make a clinical judgement regarding staffing levels. 

We are happy to share are experiences and enable others to learn from our mistakes and take forward the positive benefits of AT for this client group.

Lorraine Annison
- Specialist Occupational Therapist - Inclusive Design
Maxine Haydon
- Assistive Technology Support Worker