Gerraint’s blog February 2020
On 10th February I attended a Transport Focus Group meeting, which was run by the Equality and Human Rights Commission. Through my role as Lead Ambassador with the Engage to Change Project people share a lot with me about their experiences of using public transport, barriers they face, and how this impacts on their ability to do paid work.
I was able to feed in a general overview based on what other people with a learning disability have told me, and also share my experiences of using public transport. I felt is was a very productive session.
On 18th February I attended the Blaenau Gwent People First Conference and spoke about the Engage to Change Project. I networked with some members from Torfaen People First and Newport People First. Torfaen People First have asked me to visit the group in the future to talk about the project.
On 24th February I attended he National Autistic Society launch of their new branch in Ogmore. I was on a stall with Bev from Elite. Bev is the Employer Engagement Officer. We handed out a lot of leaflets, and people were keen to come and talk to us about the project.
On 26th February I attended training on the Human Rights Act with the British Institute of Human Rights. The session was run in London. I found the training really useful, and I have a much clearer understanding of Human Rights law and its fit with self-advocacy.