CVT Connect: Creating safe and accessible social media for people with learning disabilities

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Camphill Village Trust (CVT) is a National charity, supporting around 500 adults with learning disabilities in community settings. OBJECTIVE: To co-design a social media platform to enable people supported at CVT to enjoy the benefits social media can offer, in a ‘safe space’. METHODS: A survey was undertaken of potential users to determine existing technology use and what was wanted from a social media platform. This was constructed according to findings, and solo and group interviews and another survey captured usage and opinions. RESULTS: Posting and reading the posts of others were popular, but use of other facilities (e.g. noticeboard) was limited. People valued its role as a social connector, and the closed environment was also seen as a benefit. Staff used it to aid social interactions and as a learning tool. Barriers included remembering passwords, uploading photos and lack of support, the latter due to competing time demands on staff. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that it is possible to involve people with learning disabilities in the development of an electronic resource, and that a safe, protected platform can be utilised for both entertainment and education. Some staff were reticent, which highlighted the need for training and time allocation.