By Mencap
Held during Learning Disability Week 2026, the Parliamentary reception celebrated progress, while looking ahead to the work still needed to create a truly inclusive society. Guests from across England and Wales gathered to honour Mencap's remarkable journey and the people whose voices have shaped it.
This year's 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. Week theme, "Do You See Me?", shines a spotlight on the 1.5 million 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. in the UK and the importance of ensuring they are seen, heard and valued in every part of society.
Celebrating 80 years of impact
The event reflected on Mencap's beginnings in 1946, when founder Judy Fryd set out to create support for families of children with a learning disability. What started around a kitchen table has grown into one of the UK's leading voices for people with a learning disability.
Mencap Chief Executive Jon Sparkes OBE paid tribute to that legacy:
Judy Fryd started something extraordinary from her kitchen table. We're proud of our first 80 years supporting people with a learning disability, and we'll continue working for a society where everyone can live their life to the full.
His words served as a powerful reminder of how far the movement has come, and the determination that continues to drive it forward.
Putting people at the heart of change
The reception heard from Jen Craft MP, who reflected on changing attitudes towards people with a learning disability and the importance of ensuring their voices remain central to decisions that affect their lives.
People with a learning disability have so much to contribute. Mencap's commitment to 'nothing about us, without us' has helped drive real change, and we must continue creating a society where everyone has a place at the table.
Sir Stephen Timms also highlighted the importance of lived experience Experience is when you have learned or tried something before. in shaping future policies and reforms, reinforcing the message that meaningful change happens when people are empowered to lead the conversation.
Real stories, real opportunities
One of the most inspiring moments of the event came from Arjhay, a member of Mencap's Job Squad, who shared his personal journey into paid
employment
Employment means having a job.
through the Mencap Training Academy.
Now working at Chopstix, Arjhay spoke about the transformative power of opportunity, support and belief.
"Most people with a learning disability want to work. I was given a chance, the right support and reasonable adjustments, and now I'm doing a job I love."
His story brought to life the difference that inclusive employers can make and highlighted the potential that exists when barriers are removed.
Looking to the future
As Mencap celebrates 80 years of campaigning, support and
advocacy
Advocacy is when you get support to have your say.
, the message from Parliament was clear: the journey towards inclusion is far from over.
The reception was not only a celebration of past achievements, but a call to action for the future. Together, guests reaffirmed a shared commitment to building a society where people with a learning disability are not only seen and heard, but empowered to thrive.