Charity helps learning difficulty cyclists stay safe on the roads

A CHARITY is working with the fire service to help people with learning disabilities stay safe on the roads.

Speakup Self Advocacy is using Road Safety Week this week (23 to 29) to kickstart its work helping cyclists in the winter months.

It is part of a unique two-year project including films, books and training being funded by South Yorkshire Fire Authority.

Speakup principal officer Geoff Doncaster said: “People with learning disabilities and autism often miss out on road safety information as they struggle with printed text and find it hard to understand the other information which we all take for granted.

“It is hoped that by making accessible information on film and through Easyread books, people can be safer when out and about.”

Speakup has been working with Government departments and national organisations for 28 years to develop information and training.

Fire service equality and inclusion manager Lesley Hayhurst said: “There’s a definite gap currently in the quality of information public services offer to people with autism and learning difficulties.

“By working with an organisation which specialises in delivering education and information to these vulnerable groups, this project gives us a real opportunity to change that, particularly in regards to road safety.”

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