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What is a RIX Wiki?

RIX Wiki is a simple, accessible, secure, and password-protected online software. It has been developed over many years through collaboration and co-production with people with lived experience of learning disabilities, parents, teachers, social workers, and other professionals. The primary goal? To amplify the voices of students and ensure they are heard. 

This tool supports students, young people, and their families in developing self-advocacy skills and collating the information that matters most to them. It allows them to selectively share this information with those who provide education, care, and support—whether personal, social, or health-related. 

Student using a Rix Wiki to support her communication and independence

Why RIX Wiki? 

We are all individuals with unique interests, preferences, and needs. Often, others need to understand these aspects to truly support and empower us. But what happens when someone cannot easily communicate verbally or feels overwhelmed by having to repeat their story to yet another professional? Unfortunately, when professionals move on, the understanding they’ve built often leaves with them, forcing families to retell their stories time and again. 

This process can be frustrating and disempowering. Our vision at RIX is to reduce these challenges and empower people to maintain control over their lives. 

The Birth of RIX Wiki 

I remember sitting down with parents and teachers in 2010, discussing services for children and adults with learning disabilities and differences. They told me how difficult it was to find the information they needed. They described the systems as “bureaucratic, bewildering, and adversarial.” They felt that they have to repeat their stories over and over again. 

Together, we began the journey of designing a technological solution to address these challenges. Years of iteration and co-production resulted in RIX Wiki—a person-centred tool designed to capture and amplify the voices of students and their families. 

A student using his RIX Wiki supported by a teacher

How RIX Wiki Helps 

The central focus of RIX Wiki is student voice. It ensures that students and their families have their voices captured, listened to, and respected. More importantly, it helps them take ownership of their stories. 

Students at Charlton Park Academy, along with many other young people, adults, families, and professionals, have used RIX Wiki to: 

• Capture their stories, dreams, and wishes. 

• Share key information about what is important to them and how they can best be supported. 

• Practice self-advocacy skills through knowledge of self, understanding of rights, and improved communication. 

> Some of those stories can be found here 

 

Building a Better Future 

Creating a RIX Wiki does require time and effort. But the benefits are immense. Families are armed with a powerful resource that makes retelling their story simple and stress-free. Young people gain confidence and independence as they begin to understand and advocate for themselves. 

Every November, a new cohort of social work trainees is ready to support young people and their families in capturing their stories and building multimedia advocacy portfolios through RIX Wiki. Parents can access their child’s Wiki anytime, from any device, and share selected information with those who need it. 

If you are interested in creating a Wiki for your child or would like support from a social work trainee, please contact me on email: gosia@uel.ac.uk. Together, let’s continue to amplify voices and empower families. 

 

Blog Author: Associate Professor, Gosia Kwiatkowska, Director Rix Inclusive Research Institute, 4- 6 University Way, London, E16 2RD, Email: gosia@uel.ac.uk  

 

 

Two students looking at a RIX Wiki on a tablet