#WhatAboutMeNI project

Rapid digital change brings opportunities for wellbeing but also risks around equality, skills and access. The Carnegie UK Trust's Digital Futures theme explored how young people, including those with learning disabilities, could benefit from digital technology.

To support young people with learning disabilities (aged 12-26) in exploring digital technology, learning and sharing digital skills, and developing tools to help others learn about digital technology.

Two groups of 8 young people (Belfast and rural Co Fermanagh) began with a residential weekend at Tollymore National Outdoor Centre to build relationships and generate project ideas. Both groups maintained blogs documenting their progress; the Fermanagh group produced storyboards using image searches and created Safer Internet Day 2016 messaging, while the Belfast group wrote blogs for Learning Disability Week and, through a partnership with Into Film, made a short film, 'My Not So Ordinary Life', about living with learning disabilities.

The Belfast group's film won a national prize at the Into Film awards, leading to further media engagement and a showcase to industry representatives across Ireland. No formal evaluation was conducted; outcomes are reported narratively.

Young people with learning disabilities can successfully take part in digital creative projects, but flexibility and adapted timing are key success factors.