The Fifth Trust is a Kent-based charity that operates a daycare service for over 160 adults with learning disabilities.
Based across two skill centres near Canterbury, we offer a wide range of activities including horticulture, photography, life, and multi-skills, as well as sports activities. Using our expertise, we launched Fifth Trust Connect – a video-based virtual learning platform designed for people with learning disabilities and autism.
What is www.ftconnect.org?
FTConnect’s main aim is to promote an online community that combats feelings of isolation faced by people with learning disabilities and autism, and to offer constructive skill-building activities that encourage independence.
FTConnect offers entertaining, bitesize videos and courses to teach skills such as cookery, well-being, gardening, storytelling and more.
Members can learn and develop their skills and submit their work to share in the gallery, play accessible life skills games, keep up to date with news, and in the future join live sessions.
The website is designed to be independent in use and is compatible with eye-tracking technology, text-to-speech icons and an easy-to-use pictorial navigation system.
How did it come about?
The website was born from lockdown, when all of The Fifth Trust’s sessions went online and activities were held virtually. We saw high engagement from our students.
Research has shown a distinct lack of accessible websites designed for autistic and learning-disabled audiences, and we want to be part of the needed change.
What are the benefits?
FTConnect is an excellent learning resource for use at home, on the go, or in the classroom.
Once a member completes a course and submits their work to us, they will receive an e-certificate that also goes on our news page.
FTConnect offers a safe online environment for people with autism and learning disabilities to express themselves and develop.
With vigorous accessibility testing with students of The Fifth Trust, we solved many issues with ease of use to make the website as accessible as possible and user-led in design.
We also hold regular polls on the members’ page to gain feedback.
Our courses offer opportunities to develop the user’s dexterity, hand-eye coordination and motor skills in an educational and entertainment format. It can act as a form of respite for parents and carers. The content is suitable for all ages.
How much is it?
Individual subscriptions are £9.99 per month, with a 50% discount for the first month using the code AE2023.
Discounts are available for group subscriptions. We have a comprehensive free page so you can try out the site before you commit to a subscription.
Once subscribed, members have access to our members-only page, packed with additional courses, special stories, games and more.
Website: https://ftconnect.org/
