

Steven Chapman, Self-Advocate and Co-Chair of the Board at Bemix, talks self-advocacy and building international connections…

For years, I’ve been working on boards and teams in the Kent area, focusing on making sure people with learning disabilities and autistic people have their voices heard.

I want to see a world where they can lead, succeed, and be fully included in all parts of life.

Now, I’m really proud to be representing Learning Disability England as they connect with Inclusion International.
Inclusion International is a global organisation that stands up for the rights of people with learning disabilities, and I’m excited to be part of it.

I’ve joined two online ‘working’ groups to help with this, they are about:

Employment – This group focuses on creating more job opportunities for people with disabilities and improving the support they get at work.

Closing Secure Institutions – This one is all about helping people with disabilities live in their communities instead of being stuck in locked facilities.

On November 16th, I went to the Inclusion International AGM meeting. It was amazing to see people from so many countries there places like Canada, the US, Hong Kong, Finland, and Norway.

It was also great to hear that funding has helped countries in Africa join in on this important work.

My goal is to learn as much as I can from other countries and bring those ideas back to England.

I want to help people with learning disabilities speak up for themselves and push for positive changes.

The year ahead looks full of new challenges and opportunities, and I’m looking forward to diving in and making a difference.
I will be sure to update you all on how it’s going.