Learning disability week is an annual event to raise awareness about learning disabilities and the challenges people with learning disabilities can face every day. Learning disability week also aims to spread awareness around the wonderful things people with learning disabilities are doing in our communities and how we can challenge the barriers that they can face.
What is a learning disability?
The Mencap definition of a learning disability is as follows:
"A reduced intellectual ability and difficulty with everyday activities"
For example, somebody with a learning disability could struggle with household tasks, managing money and socialising. People with a learning disability can take longer to learn and develop new skills and may need support in doing so. It is documented that around 1.5 million people in the UK have a learning disability, however the actual number is thought to be much higher as many people have not been diagnosed.
A learning disability is different for every single person. No two people are the same.
Although all learning disability charities continuously advocate and raise awareness for the people they support, learning disability week provides the opportunity to really focus and explore certain topics and themes, which is why each year presents a different question, thought or statement. This years overall theme is ‘Do you see me?’, which is followed by a different question everyday to talk about.
Tuesday : Do you understand me?
Wednesday : Will you work with me?
Thursday: Do you hear me?
Friday: Do you include me?
Saturday: Will you support me?
At Pennine Mencap we will be spending the week exploring each of these questions through discussion, activities and displays which we can’t wait to share with you. We will continue to challenge stereotypes and promote a more inclusive society through the work we do every single day.
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