West Sussex County Council is taking part in an innovative project to develop an app which aims to give greater independence to people living with learning disabilities.

The project involves the use of a digital app by those with a learning disability, along with associated one-to-one online support. As well as providing help to them in their home life, it is being developed to improve employability among users.

AutonoMe at Home

Ten people across the county are currently testing the app, which is called AutonoMe at Home. It offers prompts and assistance that can reduce anxiety around tasks and routines, as well as building users’ confidence. The app combines one-to-one support with instructional content which can be accessed by the user to develop independent living skills.

West Sussex County Council is helping to develop content which can support users in jobs and those seeking employment as part of the next phase of the app’s development, in partnership with developer AutonoMe, the six council partners and the users themselves.

Amanda Jupp, Cabinet Member for Adults & Health, said: “We are always looking at ways we can give people greater independence. We hope this innovative approach will inspire a new and effective way of helping people with a learning disability not only in West Sussex, but across the whole country.

“Technology is not the solution to everyone’s support needs, but it can provide assistance to make a real difference to the users’ independence as well as helping them to be part of their community.

“One of the best ways to help people to live independently is by giving them the opportunity of employment. I’m delighted that we are involved in developing an app which could make a huge difference to people’s lives.”