MC2 Inspires Westernport Speaking Out Inc.
Introducing Westernport Speaking Out (WPSO) Inc.
WPSO is a Self Advocacy organisation for adults with intellectual disability (aged 16 years and over) within the Westernport Region.
WPSO is located at Suite 6/44 Beach Street, Frankston.
WPSO is a not for profit organisation funded by the Commonwealth Disability Services Program since 1987. WPSO has approximately 380 members and is managed by an annually elected Committee of Management of 12, being people with intellectual disability.
In 2006 WPSO received additional funding from the My Connected Community project to develop 5 internet hubs, specifically for adults with intellectual disability/learning difficulty (members only) in the Southern Region. Members of these mc2 internet hubs have gained computer skills, enjoyed accessing the internet as other members of our communities do, and further developed their social networks.
Due to the success of the 5 internet hubs we have already developed within the Southern Region, WPSO are continuing to introduce the mc2 project. We are currently developing a member’s only mc2 internet hub for young people who attend Special Schools in Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula. These young people will be in their final year of school. Historically people with intellectual disability are socially isolated and often when young people leave school they loose contact with their peers as they move into different training centres or work places.
This mc2 internet hub will provide a secure site for the young people to connect with their peers and access information as other members of our society do. WPSO will coordinate the project and provide peer education skills development sessions for the participants. WPSO have developed a Plain English internet policy, and Plain English session plans on introducing mc2 and the features of mc2 that we use. The mc2 project has provided the means for WPSO to promote and introduce self advocacy skills utilising current technology for the target group.
Members of WPSO have been inspired by the mc2 project.
Shona White
Project Officer
Westernport Speaking Out Inc
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