Ajini’s story: What I’m All About is Making Sure No One’s Left Out

For ages, I’d wanted to do more campaigning, just as I’d done at Harrow College

But this was just too hard for me, I just didn’t feel able to travel by myself. Then I started working on this with Martin, a carer. Martin taught me how to go places on my own.

Nowadays, I can travel totally independently. I really like going out to the big shopping centre in Milton Keynes. I use a shopping scooter there. It makes me feel really good just to be able to get around such a big place by myself.

Sometimes, I even find myself helping other people work out where they need to go.

Helping with Language

I speak Tamil and English. I really love translating. Once, I tried to get a professional job as a translator. I didn't get the job, but I still use my language skills to help people every day.

One time at college, I saw a mother who was very upset

She spoke only Tamil and could not understand what the people at the college were saying in English. I went to her and talked to her in Tamil. Once I’d explained everything to her, she felt much better.

I’ve also helped people at the bus station when they are lost. I don't like it when people feel worried because they don't understand the language. I always like to be one who can explain things to them.

Working with Team IC Works

I really enjoy being part of the Panel of Experts at IC Works. We always work closely together as a team.

When the team works together in a workshop on material we’re trying to make easier to understand, we each take a turn reading it aloud.

I think this is really important, because it gives everyone in the team a chance to help make it clearer.

I also like meeting new people. At our Christmas lunch last December, I met a lady who works in special education. I made sure to introduce her to Ian (IC Works’ Director). I think it’s good to connect people so they can work together.

My Meeting with John

John Hersov (Editor’s note: John has worked with people with a learning disability since the 1980s, is well known in this field) and I talked for a long time about my life. We are working on putting together a ‘This Is Me’ presentation.

Talking to John helped me see just how much I’ve learned.

I want to share my story so other people who feel stuck at home know they can learn to be independent too.

My Message to You

If you’re making any kind of information material, such as a leaflet, a letter, or a website, please remember that not everyone understands English in exactly the same way.

 Some people need things explained simply, and some need help in their own language.

At IC Works, we’re a team of experts by experience, and our expertise comes from our own personal struggle with information.

We’ve lived these experiences

We know only too well what it’s like to be lost and what it’s like when we can't understand very important information.

If you work with us, we can help you make sure that everyone stays included and no one is ever left out.

That’s what I care about the most

 - Ajini, Member of the IC-Works Panel of Experts by Experience