This June, Learning Disability Week (20th-26th June 2022) will celebrate the amazing impact of people with a learning disability in our society and shine a light on the issues many still face.
This year’s theme around ‘Living Life with a Learning Disability’ will demonstrate the positive aspect of living with a learning disability and help educate and raise awareness for those who don’t yet know what a learning disability is, or what life can be like for somebody that has one.
In a Mencap
survey
A survey is when someone asks you to answer some questions.
, it was revealed that two thirds of people cannot correctly identify a learning disability as a reduced intellectual ability - with 40% of Brits thinking it’s
dyslexia
Dyslexia is a learning difficulty. People who have dyslexia can find it hard to read, write and spell.
and 28% believing it to relate to a mental health issue[i].
From models to athletes, TV stars to activists, people with a learning disability can lead positive, fulfilling lives challenging misconceptions and busting myths about what living life with a learning disability looks like.
There are 1.5 million people in the UK living with a learning disability and Mencap are here to help them live life to the fullest.
This year, we want Learning Disability Week to:
- Educate and raise awareness about learning disability
- Smash stigmas and show the positive element of living life with a learning disability
- Fight and campaign for a fair society
Ciara Lawrence, Engagement Lead at the learning disability charity Mencap who herself has a learning disability, said: “Learning Disability Week is a fantastic way of promoting and celebrating our diverse community
A community is the people and places in an area. while telling the world what it’s really like to have a learning disability and showing the amazing things we can do.
“When I was younger, I remember feeling down and speaking to my mum about all the great things everyone else was doing that may not happen to me, but 21 years later I’m progressing in my career and happily married for nearly 10 years. I am so proud of everything I’ve achieved and hitting these milestones that people didn’t think could happen for people with a learning disability.
“I have everything I’ve ever dreamed off and more and I only wish the same for other people with a learning disability.”
Edel Harris OBE, Chief Executive of the learning disability charity Mencap, said: “My son Ross was diagnosed with Fragile X syndrome
Fragile X syndrome is a condition which some people are born with. It can affect how people learn, communicate, or behave. when he was five years old and the early discussions with our GP painted a bleak picture of his future that he wouldn’t be able to do various things, such as tie his own shoelaces or be able to live independently. Although it hasn’t been easy at times, he is now living a life that far exceeded anyone's expectations. Ross is happily married, has two supported employment
Employment means having a job. jobs and is also a Special Olympian. My son is living a fulfilled life – and that first doctor we spoke to had set such low expectations
“We want the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives and I hope that this Learning Disability Week will bring about increased awareness and reduce stigma. Everyone with a learning disability deserves to feel valued and celebrated, just like anyone else.”
Mencap supports thousands of people with a learning disability to live their lives the way they want. To find out more, visit www.mencap.org.uk/LDWeek.
For further information or to arrange an
interview
An interview is a meeting where you talk to someone or a group of people about something. When you have an interview for a job, you have to answer questions and say why you would be good at the job. The person who gives the best answers is offered the job.
with a Mencap
spokesperson
A spokesperson is someone who speaks up about something. They usually speak up on behalf of a group or
organisation
An organisation are a group of people who work together.
.
or
case study
A case study is a piece of writing that tells people more information about someone's
experience
Experience is when you have learned or tried something before.
.
, please contact Mencap’s media team on: media@mencap.org.uk or 02076965414 (including out of hours).
[i] Survey conducted by Opinion Matters, surveying 2,001 nationally
representative
A representative is also called a rep. A representative is someone who speaks up for everyone in their group or team.
UK adults, between 01.10.2021 – 05.10.2021. Opinion Matters abides by and employs members of the Market
Research
Research is a way of finding out information which could come from books, or asking people what they think.
Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles.