DUDLEY disability groups are among the first in the country to offer a unique way of recording events in pictures.

Members at two borough groups – Dudley Voices for Choice and Access in Dudley – have been trained in graphic facilitation after they successfully applied for a share of Dudley Council’s Innovation Fund.

The technique uses large scale imagery to make a live recording of meetings, seminars, workshops and conferences.

Sarah Offley, from Brierley Hill-based Dudley Voices for Choice, said: “This is a really useful way of bringing meetings to life and make them more accessible.

“We produce a visual record of the event and it can then be used by people - who may or may not have learning disabilities - to help them understand what has been discussed.”

The two groups are now planning to offer the service to businesses and organisations as a way of raising money to support their ongoing work across the borough.

Anne Nicholls, from Access in Dudley which is based in Halesowen, said: “One of Access in Dudley’s main aims is to improve access to information.

“Graphic facilitation allows us to present information in meetings in a format that is more accessible and interesting to people. Offering this as a service - working in partnership with Dudley Voices for Choice - will help us achieve this aim.”

Dudley Councillor Dave Branwood, cabinet member for adult social care, said: “The groups have used their grant funding in really innovative way, helping them gain unique skills that will boost their own income and, in turn, help them continue their important work across our communities.”