A Dundee charity that works to make society more inclusive for people with multiple learning disabilities has won a national award.
PAMIS (Promoting a More Inclusive Society) helps people with profound and multiple learning difficulties across Scotland feel more valued and part of their communities.
It won the GSK IMPACT award which, in association with the King’s Fund, gives access to £30,000 worth of funding.
PAMIS came out on top over 400 other organisations.
Jenny Miller, chief executive of PAMIS, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have won this award not least because it has given us an opportunity to highlight the specific needs but also great contributions that people with profound and multiple learning disabilities and their family carers make to our lives.
“We recognise their role as educators supporting communities and our health and social care practitioners to care, act with compassion and develop inclusive environments.
“We feel honoured to have been recognised and have already benefited from the learning of being involved in the award.”
One of the main initiatives that helped PAMIS win was its digital passport
programme.
The digital passport is an interactive e-book that details the social, emotional and physical needs of the person who is being cared for by the charity.
The doctors, nurses, carers, teachers and other social workers of the person being cared for can upload and access texts, images and videos to more fully assess their needs.
The charity also recently campaigned for more accessible bathrooms for
people with learning difficulties and as a result 130 extra accessible toilets were created across Scotland.
Katie Pinnock, director of UK and Ireland Charitable Partnerships at GSK, said: “PAMIS is a small charity, punching well above its weight.
“The judges were impressed with the digital passport programme and how its campaigns have real impact on the lives of individuals with learning difficulties.
“PAMIS is to be commended for its outstanding work providing a voice for people with learning disabilities and their carers, this award provides the recognition they deserve.”
PAMIS will accept the award next month at a ceremony in London. The winners of the awards will then be shortlisted for an extra £10,000 funding.
