At the event five individuals with learning disabilities showcase short films about their lives. The films showcase the important aspects of their lives, how they communicate and the positive contribution they have to make to society.
The ‘This is Me’ event will celebrate the films and their making. The project has allowed Carl, Pauline, Sharon, James and Damian, all people with complex needs, to use multi media to enable them to speak up for themselves, giving them a voice and at the same time allowing them to represent others with a similar background.
Rosie says
“It is very important that we recognise that people with severe learning difficulties have a voice. This event shows that people with complex needs can be their own advocates able to speak for and support themselves.
I am delighted to have been invited to take part in the launch of this project here in Doncaster, and congratulate everyone involved in the making of the films and in the project.”
A large part of this project has been pioneering a comprehensive approach to consent, a method of working with people’s capacity that fits effectively alongside the new Mental Capacity Act that came into force on 1 October 2007.
Kate Duncalfe, Communication and Consultation Worker at the Complex Needs Group says
“This is a project that is having an effect nationally. We are going to be credited in a national Mencap publication of guidance advice for the use of the film with people with profound and multiple learning disabilities. This support nationally is very encouraging and we have received the same support from the people here in Doncaster.”
Jamie Cullum has recorded a song especially for this event and has personally been involved in the event preparation together with Damian, whose film is entitled ‘Jamie’s Jazz’