Empowering Independence: Hampshire County Council Leads the Way with Voice Technology in Learning Disability Services

1​2 March 2025

Hampshire County Council is taking a forward-thinking approach to improving the lives of adults with learning disabilities through a pioneering partnership with Vocala Smart Properties. By integrating voice-activated technology, the council is helping to promote independence, enhance daily living, and reduce administrative pressures on care staff.

Transforming Care with Voice Technology

Hampshire County Council is using Echo Show devices to support adults with learning disabilities in their everyday routines. These devices do not require personal accounts and have no access to shopping features, ensuring a secure and managed experience tailored for care settings.

For those who already have their own Alexa devices, the service can be onboarded seamlessly, allowing more residents to benefit from the support and independence that voice technology provides.

Supporting Independence and Wellbeing

The technology is already making a meaningful impact in several key areas:

Communication and Social Connection

✔ Service users can easily keep in touch with staff, family, and friends via voice-activated video calls.
✔Visual schedules help users stay organised, reminding them of upcoming activities and family visits.
✔ The system fosters social inclusion, helping individuals remain connected to their community.

Daily Living Support

✔Personalised reminders encourage independence in personal care, such as brushing teeth and getting dressed.
✔Step-by-step audio and visual prompts guide users through tasks like using household appliances.
✔Pictorial timetables help users manage their daily activities with greater confidence.

Health and Wellbeing

✔Medication reminders support users in managing their own health.
✔ The system schedules and alerts users about health appointments.
✔Entertainment options—including music, games, and ambient sounds—help support mental wellbeing.

Reducing Admin Burden for Care Staff

The system isn’t just benefiting service users—it’s also streamlining processes for care staff:

✔Less time spent on routine reminders, allowing staff to focus on direct care.
✔Reduced paperwork through digital documentation.
✔Automated tracking of key health metrics, such as fluid intake.
✔Improved communication between staff and service users via a centralised platform.
✔Care staff can update care notes using voice commands, reducing the time spent on manual documentation.

Future Expansion and Cost Benefits

Hampshire County Council’s initiative is part of a wider movement towards technology-enabled care. Research shows that 74% of people receiving care and support already use Alexa devices, with 80% engaging with them daily.

Following early implementation, the council aims to expand the programme, enhancing service delivery and improving outcomes for adults with learning disabilities. This forward-thinking approach is modernising adult social care, ensuring better, more efficient support.

Looking Ahead

As the programme develops, Hampshire County Council is continuing to work closely with Vocala to explore further ways voice technology can support independence and improve quality of life. This collaboration highlights how innovation can drive meaningful change in social care, creating a more personalised, connected, and efficient future.

Quote from Lee Piper - Young Adults TEC Officer HCC

"Integrating voice technology into learning disability services has been a game-changer. By providing structured reminders, schedules, and communication tools, we’re enabling greater independence while also reducing the admin burden on staff. It’s fantastic to see how clients are embracing the technology and using it to enhance their daily lives. We're excited about the potential to expand these services across Hampshire and continue supporting independence in even more communities."