Welcome to Global Good’s Impact Interview series designed to tell the stories of the people and companies working to drive an aggregate social impact in society.
In this interview, we’ll be speaking with Sydney-based Tara about Me Plus More, a groundbreaking platform that provides accessible resources and empowers individuals with intellectual disabilities
Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your role?
My name is Tara and I am the founder and director of Me Plus More, an online platform – in essence a membership site – specifically designed for people with intellectual disabilities to work towards their independence and/or employment goals.
In my role, I oversee everything to do with the business – from managing the tech team to creating easy and accessible content to marketing the business.
How did your company come about and what was the motivation behind it?
Me Plus More develops Information Streams (or Modules) containing complete “how to” lessons in the form of videos, written instructions, and workbooks, in an easily accessible online format, for people with an intellectual disability.
The inspiration for Me Plus More came from my frustration with the limited resources available to people with intellectual disabilities (and more particularly their support workers) to benefit from meaningful learning about attaining independence, securing employment and avoiding discrimination or harassment.
We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to access the appropriate tools and resources to support their personal growth and development.
Tara Shekede, Director of Me Plus More
Can you describe the company’s mission and values?
At Me Plus More, our mission is to provide accessible and engaging resources to individuals with intellectual disabilities, empowering them to learn the skills necessary to achieve independence and reach their goals.
We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to access the appropriate tools and resources to support their personal growth and development. Our foundation is built on the principle of equity and inclusion, and we are committed to providing a platform that ensures equal access and opportunities for all.
Our goal is to enhance the quality of life for those we serve by promoting self-determination, community integration, and social engagement.
What are some of the most pressing social issues that your company is working to address through its technology?
In my field, social isolation, a lack of employment options and few accessible educational resources, as well as stigma and discrimination, are all pressing social issues that Me Plus More is working to overcome.
Addressing these social issues requires a multi-faceted approach that involves policy and systemic change, community education and awareness. However, we are doing our part by providing appropriate and accessible support to individuals and their service providers.
How does your company measure the impact of its work in creating positive change?
Measuring the impact of Me Plus More is vital to us, and we achieve this by gathering feedback from our members. We keep an open channel of communication with our members to ensure we receive firsthand feedback on how our programs are impacting their lives and the positive changes they bring about.
This direct feedback helps us to determine the effectiveness of our programs and make improvements where necessary to ensure we are meeting our goal of enhancing the quality of service and focusing on participant outcomes.
By empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities through accessible and engaging resources, Me Plus More aims to enhance their independence, boost their confidence, and enable them to achieve their goals.
Tara Shekede, Director of Me Plus More
In your opinion, what impact will technology have in creating a better future?
Me Plus More’s technology has the potential to create a better future for people with intellectual disabilities by providing them with a user-friendly platform to improve their knowledge and skills in various areas of life.
By empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities through accessible and engaging resources, Me Plus More aims to enhance their independence, boost their confidence, and enable them to achieve their goals.
With this in mind, technology can lead to increased social inclusion and a better quality of life for those in this cohort.
What advice do you have for other companies looking to use technology for good and positively impact the world?
When considering the use of technology for individuals with intellectual disabilities, it is crucial to prioritise accessibility and user-friendliness. Opt for technology that can be personalised to meet the specific needs and preferences of the user.
In addition to providing the necessary technology, it is also essential to offer ongoing support and training to ensure that users can successfully navigate and utilise the technology to its fullest potential.
This approach can help individuals with intellectual disabilities gain independence, enhance their skills and abilities, and improve their overall quality of life.
Learn more about Me Plus More on their website here
