A MOBILE phone company has teamed up with a charity for disabled people on a ground-breaking project to support people with learning disabilities through technology.

Vodafone has worked with Mencap to launch the Connected Living project, co-designed by people with learning disabilities and their support workers, with the aim of giving them greater independence, choice and access to technology through Internet of Things (IoT) enabled devices and personalised digital services.

The technology was designed to improve quality of life for more than 1.4 million people living with learning disabilities in the UK, their families and carers.

The initiative was piloted in Mencap’s supported living homes over 12 months, including one in Basingstoke.

It focused on how to make everyday activities, such as household tasks, time planning and socialising, easier.

The technology was installed in the homes, controlled by a bespoke app called Vodaphone MyLife.

Accessible via a single tablet, it gives Mencap’s clients control of their smart devices, while also enabling their support workers to have remote access.

The MyLife app also allows users to create visual guides for everyday tasks and manage features such as smart plugs and lights.

A diary feature enables them to create daily reminders for tasks, while the My Talk feature provides those with speech problems another way to communicate.

Martyn Morgan, who has Down’s Syndrome and lives at a Mencap supported living service in Basingstoke, uses Vodafone Connected Living technology, including a watch and doorbell.

Prior to using the technology, he was cautious about going out by himself and felt vulnerable.

His Oysta watch has a built in GPS function and allows him to call his support worker Sophie, as well as friends and family, when he’s out.

The Vodafone MyLife tool enables Martyn to manage and take control of his daily tasks, such as setting his alarm and reminders about his daily routine, and the How To function has helped him learn how to do his own washing and learn to cook for himself.

The 31-year-old said: “I’m pleased about the watch. It does help when I’m out and about. On there is my mum. You’ve got a problem, you’re lost or hurt, I ring my mum. And if she can’t answer, I go and ring Sophie to help out. My mum loves it. I love this watch for helping me.”

Martyn’s housemate Ashley Baldwin, who has a learning disability, is also benefitting from the Vodafone technology.

The 27-year-old has a speech impediment and struggles with day-to-day tasks such as getting up on time and getting dressed. He often finds communicating difficult, so the MyTalk function helps him with this.

Ashley experienced a stranger stealing money from him when he was on his own once, so the watch gave him the confidence to go out on his own again.

Helen Lamprell, general counsel and external affairs director, Vodafone UK said: “I am incredibly proud of this project and excited by what it means for the way people with learning disabilities will be able to live their lives in the future.”

She added: “It really demonstrates the power of technology to change people’s lives for the better.”

Steve Baker, operations director from Mencap, said: “Technology can provide simple solutions to enable them to take control and have greater independence and that really makes a difference.”

He added: “The most rewarding thing has been to see it working and the life changing impact it can have for the people we support and their support workers, who do such an amazing and challenging job.”