Welcome to the Wesetter! Brought to you by members of Warwickshire Empowerment Service (WES).
WES is an empowerment and co-production service, commissioned by Warwickshire County Council, to support people with disabilities to have a say in how they live their lives and also the services they access – spreading influence and opportunity across the county.
This is their first 2021 newsletter.
WES is a group of people in Warwickshire who have disabilities. This year we have met on Zoom due to the pandemic.
What have we done?
- Reviewed the British Museum website for accessibility
- Fun quizzes
- Went to an online music concert
- Talked about how to stay safe during coronavirus
- Made a video for Warwickshire County Council teaching people how to stay safe
- Had a say on how services in Warwickshire should look in future
- Run Partnership Boards to make our voices heard.
#MadeForMe
#MadeForMe is a campaign we are launching in 2021.
We want to raise awareness around accessibility for people with disabilities, learning difficulties and autism. We will be coming to a social media page near you in 2021!
“During lockdown me and other people who had learning disabilities got together in Zoom with the help of the staff from Grapevine who are kind helpful and friendly. They helped me meet new people.” (Courtney)
Involve blog
WES recently created a blog for the UK’s public participation charity Involve to share their thoughts on public engagement and set out ways councils and other public services can consult more openly and effectively with whole, diverse communities.
WES Quick Quiz (answers below)
- Name the seven colours of the rainbow
- Name the eight planets
- Name the nine reindeer.
The ability in making the world accessible (written by Anne)
Accessibility is unlocking the world to everyone. In this day, we shouldn’t still be seeking accessibility for all, but we are. Yes we know about ramps and lifts, but there are many other people who can’t do things because they are inaccessible.
- Things need to be in other formats like, large print, audio, Braille, easy read
- There should be quiet areas for those who need it
- Even lighting and contrast
- Steps/slopes/ramps should be clearly marked
- Disabled toilets should be alongside general toilets
- Appropriate facilities in place when they are advertised as being there.
As a person with a disability and learning difficulties, I appreciate not having to point out when things are not accessible for all.
Want to get involved with WES?
Contact Sam by email at skeoghcollins@grapevinecovandwarks.org or call 02476 631 040.
WES Quick Quiz answers:
- Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet
- Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune
- Rudolph, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen.