This year, we are once again celebrating the great benefits people with a learning disability bring to society for Learning Disability Week.
The event takes place during the third week of June and is a time ‘when we make sure the world hears what life is like if you have a learning disability’, says Mencap, the charity working with people with learning disabilities.
This year, Mencap began the celebrations on Monday 16 June with the theme “Do you see me?” This is about people with a learning disability being seen, heard and valued.
You can learn more about Mencap’s event on its website.
More than a learning disability
The Involvement Matters Team (IMT) is the council’s reference group for adults with a learning disability. It works alongside the Learning Disability Partnership Board (LDPB) to improve the lives of people with a learning disability in East Sussex.
The IMT advocates on behalf of itself and others. Its members want to show you they are about so much more than their learning disability. To do this they are once again highlighting the work IMT does towards breaking down the barriers faced by people with a learning disability.
This year IMT is looking at seven themes – one for each day of the Week.
We’ve shared a few of them below. But to see them all and to receive the latest updates on the IMT and the LDPB please follow the LDPB Facebook page.
Inclusion
Inclusion is at the heart of everything IMT works toward. One of its members Ruth says: “I am just a person in society.” Another member, Dominic agrees. He says: “I am an individual like you, no different, no more, no less. We are part of society; we always have been and always will be.”
To find out more about IMT’s views watch their video on Youtube.
Myth Busting about learning disabilities
Ruth and Mikey love to travel and experience new places. Ruth says she likes “the entertainment and nice food” when she goes on holiday. Mikey says he also enjoys the freedom, and “not being told to get back at a certain time – being looked at like an adult rather than a person with a learning disability”.
Sonia loves to socialise with her friends at the pub, which is why she set up The Friendship Group. The group is for adults with a learning disability in Hastings.
Sonia says she wants to challenge negative attitudes and behaviours by making sure that people with a learning disability are SEEN in our community! She adds: ‘We are there… without support workers, without parents, without carers in the pub like anyone else having a drink and a laugh with our friends.”
As if that wasn’t enough, Sonia also happens to be a Special Olympic Gold Medallist.
Giving to the community
“I love it!” says Graham (pictured above) about his volunteering roles at Sara Lee and Age UK charity shops. He enjoys it so much he works six days a week. Volunteering provides him with a sense of purpose and enables him to contribute to both the charities and society in general. This makes him feel valued. He said: “Going to work makes me feel good. I enjoy helping people and keeping busy.”
Graham was recognised by Bexhill-on-Sea Town Council who presented him with a civic award. The civic award celebrates local individuals and groups who give up their time and energy to make life better for people in Bexhill.
Bexhill Town Council said: “Graham can often be seen around town making people smile and offering to help others out. He volunteers in charity shops and shows his support to local businesses however he can.”
Promoting rights and choices
IMT members work hard to promote the rights and choices of adults with a learning disability within East Sussex and further afield. They play an essential, and highly valuable role in communicating the views of those people. Those areas include easy read, health equality, training, hate crime, scams, mental health and quality checking in supported living.
Learn more about learning disability?
For updates and information on the work of IMT visit the ESCC website.
Get the latest updates on the Involvement Matters Team and the Learning Disability Partnership Board on East Sussex County Council’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram social media accounts.
Further reading on the Your East Sussex website includes:
