Who am I?

Hello, my name is Chloe Goodall, and I’m delighted to join the Scottish Commission for People with Learning Disabilities (SCLD) team as the Digital Transformation Programme Lead.

I have worked with non-profit organisations as a volunteer or staff for over 15 years, with a focus on education, learning, equality and human rights. I am also a mentor for care experienced young people. Away from work, I have personal experience of supporting people with learning disabilities, though this is my first professional role working specifically for and alongside people with learning disabilities.

With a background in research, policy development, engagement and building partnerships, I’m looking forward to bringing my skills and experience from different sectors to this digital programme. Perhaps more importantly, my sense of curiosity and love of exploring new ideas with others will ensure that I lead it in a way that stays true to SCLD’s core values of being respectful, collaborative, inclusive and pioneering.

My role at SCLD

I will be developing a digital transformation and improvement strategy for SCLD and leading on projects with a strong digital focus. This includes consideration of both policy and practice, such as looking at measures to address digital poverty and exclusion, as well as developing practical solutions that enable people with learning disabilities to live as full a life as they choose in the ways that work for them.

The insight, experiences and wishes of people with learning disabilities must be at the heart of any recommendations and planned improvements in the use of digital technologies. I will spend lots of time engaging with people to find out how digital works for them and where it creates additional barriers in their lives at the moment. I also want to hear about what could be improved and their ambitions for their future in a digital world. I will also be working closely with colleagues in health and social care and the third sector to explore how digital technologies can support delivery of the best possible services through training, use of digital engagement platforms, improved data collection and impact reporting.

Why is digital important?

In a world that is increasingly reliant on digital technology in all areas of life, it is vital that people with learning disabilities, their supporters and professionals working with them can access and embrace the benefits that digital technologies bring. Many existing digital services used in daily life such as banking apps, video calling platforms or social media sites are often not designed with an end user with learning disabilities in mind, creating unnecessary barriers and excluding members of society from services that others take for granted.

In addition, social care provision in Scotland is undergoing significant changes in a challenging landscape. Considering digital approaches that enhance opportunities for more personalised, effective support has the potential to transform individuals’ lives and ensure that the needs of people with learning disabilities are met at every stage, from planning to delivery to review. People with lived experience must also be meaningfully involved in planning for future developments in Technology Enabled Care.

The issues and possible solutions raised through digital technologies will vary in size and complexity, from online privacy concerns to increasing supporters’ confidence in using technology, from digital financial inclusion to accessibility guidance for potential employers.

As with all SCLD programmes, Digital Transformation is all about ensuring that people with learning disabilities are fully engaged in discussions on the use of digital technologies to promote and uphold their human rights in all aspects of life. Guided by their insight and through co-production of resources, SCLD can lead a programme of digital innovation that maximises choice, opportunity and participation for everyone in our society with a learning disability.

If you would like more information on SCLD’s Digital Transformation Programme, please contact me via email at Chloe.G@scld.co.uk.