Topping Up Independence: Chloe’s Story

As part of Project Nemo’s film series, Catherine Ann shares the story of her daughter Chloe, a 22 year old girl with Cohen’s syndrome – a rare genetic condition which leaves her with severe learning disabilities, autism, vision loss and three major surgeries which broke and rebuilt her bones. She needs 24/7 care but that doesn’t stop Chloe being a light in every room she enters; she has the most fantastic cheeky humour and sarcasm.

Through specialist education, Chloe has developed far beyond anyone’s imagination and now she attends Berkshire College of Agriculture and work experience at a doggy day care centre – animals have been a huge part of her learning and development. Chloe doesn’t fully understand money, she just wants to pay for her lunch like her friends do and not feel like the odd one out. Fewer places accept cash leaving Catherine to give Chloe her card to pay with, however it’s not sustainable or safe for either of them and it doesn’t teach her the independence she deserves.

Mencap echo the sentiments of Catherine and share the struggles that 1.5 people with learning disabilities in the UK face with financial services. If only Chloe could have a simple pre-paid top up card that’s designed for people with learning disabilities and teaches them how to use it, it would mean even greater empowerment and independence for them all.