Introduction:

Hi, my name is Joanne, and I am the Chief Operating Officer for the ZootAlore! Community Foundation CIC. We are currently working on a new and exciting website designed to assist Learners with Learning Difficulties and Disabilities into employment and/or training as well as supporting with independent living arrangements. It’s a fantastic job which allows me to work in an area which I am very passionate about.

What I have been up to:

Over the past few months I have been very busy making contacts with various organisations, government representatives including some at the DfE, and a number of charities to spread the word of the work which we are doing and also to allow learners to register and use the facilities we offer.

One particular recent meeting which really sticks in my mind was with a young man called Mike. He is 22 now, but was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome at the age of 18. It turned his whole world upside down. By this point he was out of the school system and found it very difficult to find the right help and support. I also met his mum who, it has to be said, is an inspiration. She does all she can to help and support Mike and to keep him safe. The thing which they both want and need is for Mike to be able to find a permanent work placement/training placement. This struck a cord and so we are now on a mission to use MyLife to help Mike to make a better future for himself. Look out for a case study in the future!

In the news:

I was shocked to read the news that it has been found that 1 in 3 children around the world who do not have access to education have a disability.

The report which was published by the charity Sightsavers, said that education was generally denied due to a lack of physical access and specialist features.

Other issues included cultural attitudes, such as shame and embarrassment which was felt by families, teachers and even other pupils.

Sunit Bagree, co-author of the report said that such reactions to disability are "most prevalent in the poorest rural areas, where traditional and religious beliefs can make people believe that having a disabled child is a form of punishment, related to the concept of sin".

Although this is a massive global issue it certainly spurs the ZootAlore! Community Foundation CIC to look at the issues in the UK and work towards better, more secure futures for LLDD. We want to change attitudes in communities which often incorporate some of the issues raised in this report to prove ultimately that just because an individual has a learning difficulty or disability it doesn’t mean that they cannot be just as valuable in their communities and feel a real sense of personal achievement.

We are here to help make the difference!

News from the ZootAlore! offices:

I guess the biggest news at the ZootAlore! offices has been our trip to the Opening Doors event at White Hart Lane.

It was attended by a fantastic number of young people all wanting to find out about career opportunities and direct routes into work.

During the event we let our little alien friend, ‘Zoot’ loose on the unsuspecting young people! It as to be said he went down a storm and was surprisingly well behaved - so much so we may just let him venture out again!

Well, I think that’s enough from me for now! Feel free to get in touch if you are interested to know more about the work we do!

Speak soon,

Joanne