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The Open Door Scheme - Community Education for Adults with learning disabilities in Oxfordshire

What is the Open Door Scheme?
The Open Door Scheme aims to help adults with learning disabilities to join activities of their choice at Community Education Centres.

Why does it exist?

People with learning disabilities may be isolated and not achieving their full potential; they want to meet people and learn new skills, but may be hampered by transport difficulties, lack of confidence, inexperience of attending “normal” activities and having no one to go with.

The scheme exists to make opportunities available so that people with learning difficulties can achieve their potential.

How does it work?

The scheme recruits volunteer helpers, or co-students, who are willing to accompany a disabled person to a class or activity and to help provide support, practical help and possibly transport.

Students are welcome to join the full range of activities including crafts, sport, flower arranging, art, plus keep fit.

Volunteers normally participate as a student, but pay no fees. Some travel expenses may be available.

The project also runs stepping stone short course to prepare people with disabilities for joining community education courses.

Open Door Scheme Co-ordinators

  • Help people with learning disabilities to enrol on a course of their choice.
  • Work closely with centre Heads, Oxfordshire County Council’s Social Services Department and other providers of care to ensure high quality service.
  • Recruit volunteers who will offer transport and learn alongside students.
  • Provide training for tutors and volunteers in disability equality
  • Provide support for students, tutors and volunteers
  • Set up and manage short courses specifically for people with learning disabilities in response to demand.

Would you like to know more about the Open Door Scheme?
Do you know someone who could benefit from the scheme?
Would you like to be a volunteer?
Would you like to know about the course available locally?
If so please contact:

Debbie Taylor
Bicester C.E.C
Cooper School
Churchill Road
Bicester
OX6 7TS
01869 327430
01280 847424 (home base)