Ordinary Lives – an extraordinary website!

The Southend-based 'Ordinary Lives' project - which challenges attitudes on learning disability - has launched a new website showcasing its achievements so far and its continuing progress.

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Corporate Director of Adult and Community Services, Simon Leftley says: "This is the next exciting development to make everyone more aware that people with a learning disability with appropriate support can live 'Ordinary Lives.'

"Our maxim is that people with learning disabilities are people first. It is society that disables an individual, not their impairment.

"We have already had extremely positive responses to each aspect of this project, beginning with the tremendous Ordinary Lives Photographic exhibition."

This pioneering venture led to a portfolio of exceptional pictures showing people with learning disabilities taking part in ordinary activities such as cooking, shopping, bowling, swimming, reading, gardening - and many more.

The pictures were widely exhibited and are now featured on the website. They aimed to show how people with learning disabilities can take their place in the community, can enjoy the same opportunities as others, and can make a positive contribution. This project went on to inspire a schools competition which - like the photographic exhibition - was sponsored by Ipeco Holdings.

Secondary and special schools in Southend were asked to create a working tool to promote the fact that people with learning disabilities can lead "Ordinary Lives" based on the premise that people with learning disabilities are people first.

The aim was, that by taking part in the competition and meeting people with learning disabilities, it would highlight for young people the role of those with disabilities in our communities

This was to give them an experience that would stay with them, and help them influence others who may have prejudices about the capacity of people with disabilities to lead ordinary lives.

Westcliff High School for Boys won first prize of £2500, while the second prize of £500 went to The St Christopher School. These schools also won achievement certificates/gift vouchers, as did - Lancaster School , Belfairs School and Cecil Jones College .

Details of the winning presentations can also be found on the Ordinary Lives website - which is one of the legacies of the competition.

In addition a compilation DVD will also be sent to all UK local authorities to celebrate the work of Southend schools.

It is hoped that the competition will lead to local schools becoming more involved through joint projects and work experience/Trident placements, and that more volunteers from schools may also wish to work with our service users.

Introducing the Ordinary Lives website, Matthew, one of the service users explains: "The main message we wanted to give was that people with a learning disability can, if given the opportunity and correct support, achieve many of the things that you do in your "Ordinary Lives" everyday.

"So please celebrate with us all the fantastic presentations that have taken place then please join us on our journey."

Visit the Ordinary Lives website on: http://www.ordinarylives.org.uk/ 

For more information about this media release please call the press desk on 01702-215000 ext 5505 or e-mail media@southend.gov.uk