For many of the people we support, employment is a way to learn new skills and gain confidence in their abilities. This is no different for The MacIntyre Checkers.
The MacIntyre Checkers are a group of people who have a learning disability and/or autism, who are primarily responsible for ensuring that documentation around MacIntyre is accessible for all. Documents the MacIntyre Checkers have assessed in the past include; staff training, my money and safeguarding reports.
Anyone at MacIntyre who produces easy read, accessible documents will be aiming for one thing; The MacIntyre Checker’s stamp of approval.
Whilst the aim of a MacIntyre Checkers meeting is to ensure that information is accessible for all, they meetings also offer an opportunity for each member to learn about topics they may be unfamiliar with.
When asked what being a 'MacIntyre Checker' means to him, Olly a member of the group said:
‘It means being part of a team and getting some work done.”
Discussing their favourite part about being a 'MacIntyre Checker', the group said:
“I like that we are all friends.” - Natalie S
“I enjoy that I get to see my friends and I get paid.” – Vicky
“We get to visit other groups, like the 'Keep Going... Don’t Stop! group'.” – Katie
“That we wear a uniform.” – Tim
“Reading documents about relationships.” – Natalie W
As a collective, the team wholeheartedly agreed that there are two highlights to being a 'Checker'; making films (lead by MacIntyre’s Great Interactions Team) and heading to the MacIntyre Roadshows at Christmas.
Anita Waddington, MacIntyre’s Practice Development Facilitator said:
“Every one of the team has grown in confidence since starting three years ago. They are such a hard-working group who should be proud of what they have achieved.”
Easy Read Top Tips from The MacIntyre Checkers
• Do not include contractions e.g do not instead of don’t
• Ensure images are not too small
• Images shouldn't be too close to the frame. Include sufficient space
• Do not include full stops
• Do not use capital letters
• Do not include question marks
