A NEW website designed by and for people in Hampshire with learning disabilities has launched in time for Learning Disability Week.

Learning Disability Week runs from June 19 until June 25 and will be complemented locally by Hampshire Learning Disability Partnership’s new website, hldp.org.uk.

The website is displayed in an easy-read format with audio, text size and background colour options to make it as accessible as possible for people with learning disabilities.

Self-advocates supported by voice and rights charity VoiceAbility led its creation, using their own experiences of having a learning disability when working with Southampton-based Solent Creatives on the website’s content and design.

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Representatives from the partnership – made up of self-advocates, parent carers and public bodies such as Hampshire County Council and the local NHS – were invited to a disability forum event in Basingstoke to launch the website.

Leon, who has been a self-advocate for more than 10 years, said: “Giving out the business card to all the stallholders and talking to them about the website was great. I showed a few people how to access the website too, and we already have 20 extra views of the website. I really enjoyed the day and it was something I would like to do again.”

Fellow self-advocate Fahmina said: “I found it all interesting as I am new to Basingstoke. I could find out about the charities that are around and there is so much I would like to do, so I want to find out more. I loved being at the event and being involved.”

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Engagement and development officer at Hampshire County Council, Amanda Lee, said: “It has been great to see everyone’s enthusiasm and ideas create this interactive website.

“The self-advocates should be very proud of what they have achieved and how they have focused on building something that is helpful and accessible to people living in Hampshire who have a learning disability, so they too can find help and information when they want to.”

The website can be visited via hldp.org.uk.