2. Involve people

The most effective way to get ideas that work is to consult people with learning disabilities. There are many self-advocates and self-advocacy groups. These are people with a learning disability who speak up for, and represent, themselves.

You could visit them, or invite them to visit you for a consultation session. They often have a great deal of experience of working with individuals and organisations. There are also experienced people who act as trainers and consultants.

People with a learning disability are ready to help.

• There are lots of people willing to work with others to make things more accessible. Get in touch with them, ask around.
• Remember: working with your audience is crucial.
• Consult people at all stages.
• If you want to revise an existing document, bring people in to discuss what changes need to be made.
• If you're starting a new document, make sure you involve people at the planning stage.
• Develop whatever it is you are working on together.
• Get as much feedback as you can, as often as possible.
• Make sure you get more than one person involved.
• Like any consultation, one person's opinion might not be the same as someone else's. Be open and be prepared for constructive criticism!

As with any consultation, try and get a cross section of people involved. Different people with learning disabilities have different communication and usability needs. For example, consult people who are also visually impaired, or hearing impaired.