Transition to online life was swift and all-encompassing for many members of the learning disabled community during the Covid pandemic. Face-to-face sessions and day-services were put on hold, with activities and events moving to Zoom and social media platforms, to keep people engaged creatively and socially.
‘Life in the Cloud’ is an evolving project as part of our digital inclusion strategy. The process of working remotely has led us to gather new members and our interactive drama sessions have been a resounding success. To embrace what does work dramatically and creatively in an online space, we have developed #howdoyoudoleeds. This provides theatre and arts activities remotely, via our member’s smart-phones, tablets and laptops; and provides a platform to share their work to the wider community. Another aim of this sub-project of 'Life In The Cloud' is to increase disabilities awareness, focused on positive images and stories from the lives of our members, in-keeping with the #abilitiesnotdisabilities attitude.
Expanded from our pilot project with Leep1 (Leeds People First), participating day-services groups now include TechNorth, Richmond Hill, Naburn and Hillside (all Aspire CBS run services) and Cafe Leep (Leep1); as well as individual members joining from their homes. Students have also got involved in some of the sessions (and we hope to encourage more to take part) as part of the Commitment To Play initiative.
Bright Sparks Zoom Room
Meeting room number: 5674563452
Password: 1234
"I have a right laugh and meet some absolutely amazing people. We get dancing to music, which I love. We all connect and we work as a team. Everyone is friendly and good to be with."
Sapphire Malcolm - Leep1 member
Click here to watch Sapphire Malcolm's Life In The Cloud video review.
