Politicians and policy makers too often overlook the needs of people with a
learning disability
A learning disability is to do with the way someone's brain works. It makes it harder for someone to learn, understand or do things.
. It is only by bringing the two groups together that we can start to change attitudes, challenge stigma, and educate people about the challenges that people with a learning disability face.
This event was an opportunity for MPs and Peers to hear directly from campaigners across England, Wales and Northern Ireland on what changes are needed to improve the lives of people with a learning disability. Over 50 MPs, Peers and their staff members attended the event.
Our host for the day, Marsha De Cordova MP has been a lifelong disability
rights
Rights are the things everyone should be allowed to do like have a say, or go to school.
advocate
An advocate is a person who can help you have your say. An advocate can speak up for you if you find it hard.
and emphasised the benefits that politicians can get by listening to and involving people with a learning disability in their work. Attendees also heard about
the government
The Government are the people who run the country. They decide how much
tax
Tax is the money that pays for things like schools, hospitals and the police. There are different types of taxes like
income tax
Income tax is the money that is taken out of the money you earn every month. It helps to pay for things we all need like hospitals and schools.
,
VAT
VAT is also called Value Added Tax. VAT is the extra money you pay when you buy things. The money goes to the government to pay for things like schools and hospitals.
and
council tax
Council
A council is also called a
local authority
A local authority is also called a council. They are a group of people who make decisions about some of the things in the area where you live like schools,
social care
Social care means the services that give care and support to people who need it.
(support for people), parks and dustbin collection.
. They are a group of people who make decisions about some of the things in the area where you live. These include: schools, social care (support for people), parks and dustbin collection.
Tax is the money that people pay to the
council
A council is also called a
local authority
A local authority is also called a council. They are a group of people who make decisions about some of the things in the area where you live like schools,
social care
Social care means the services that give care and support to people who need it.
(support for people), parks and dustbin collection.
. They are a group of people who make decisions about some of the things in the area where you live. These include: schools, social care (support for people), parks and dustbin collection.
. It helps to pay for things like social care (support for people), parks and dustbin collection.
.
people should pay for things and how things like the National Health
Service
A service gives people what they need, like healthcare services that help people when they are ill, and support services that give people support.
should work.
’s ongoing work from Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms MP.
Meanwhile, Mencap Northern Ireland’s Eoin Kenny shared his story and the challenges he has faced. With support from Mencap, Eoin has broken down the barriers that he faced and achieved the life that he has always wanted. Eoin’s story demonstrated how people with a learning disability can thrive and achieve their dreams when they are given the proper support.
The politicians that attended were offered the opportunity to become a learning disability champion and ensure that people with a learning disability are included in
Parliament
Parliament is a group of people who make laws and check what the government is doing.
’s work.
We will be building on this event by continuing to engage politicians on the issues and challenges facing people with a learning disability and support people with a learning disability to engage with politicians.