Over the last 13 months, DADAA has worked with 40 people with high support needs living in the Cities of Stirling and Armadale to increase their digital and social inclusion.
Each participant has started the process with an Occupational Therapy (OT) assessment to determine potential iDevice interests and positioning. This has been undertaken with stARTSPEAK partner, the Independent Living Centre of WA (ILCWA).
The OT assessment completed, DADAA touchpad trainers then worked on a one to one basis for 20 hours with each person to experiment with iPads, general apps and, more specifically, the stARTSPEAK Touch & Create app.
Each participant has demonstrated keen interest in visual art, music, photography and film, building personal portfolios and narratives through the project.
Evidence that the stARTSPEAK Touch & Create app works as an intuitive artistic experiential and skills development app for people with high support needs is overwhelming .
Almost 50% of participants have purchased their own personal devices and 20 participants will receive an iPad thanks to Lotterywest support for the Touch & Create project.
DADAA’s stARTSPEAK team has gathered all information from their OT assessment and 20 hours of 1:1 touchpad training to customize training with each participant for their support networks.
Participants are currently working with DADAA to train their support networks how to support and sustain iPad use beyond the scope of the project.
In addition to Lotterywest support the Touch & Create project has partnered with the Disability Services Commission’s Supported Community Living, ILCWA, Nulsen and Rocky Bay.
For more information about the Touch & Create project, touchpad training or stARTSPEAK Touch & Create app please email: info@startspeak.org
