War in Ukraine

Lots of members have been telling us they are worried about the people in Ukraine and what is happening there.

Sally Hirst has shared this easy read on Facebook

It helps to explain what is happening.

And ideas of things you can do if you feel anxious.

And Easy News from United Response has done an easy read that helps to explain too.

Read the Easy News article here

Mencap has done an easy read update in April.

Read Mencap’s update here

Beyond Words have made a short wordless resource called ‘When the War Came’.

It is aimed at helping people and families fleeing Ukraine.

And also helping to explain to people in the UK what is happening in Ukraine.

At the moment there is not very much easy read or accessible information about the situation in Ukraine.

If you know of any other resources we can share with members, please send them to lisa.watchorn@LDEngland.org.uk.

As a member of Inclusion Europe, Learning Disability England has joined with ENABLE Scotland and All Wales People First to write to the Foreign Secretary, Rt Hon Elizabeth Truss MP.

The letter asks her to do everything she can to protect Ukrainians who have a learning disability.

This includes using all the humanitarian and diplomatic channels available to her.

The letter particularly asks that the Foreign Secretary does 4 things:

Helps to make sure people with learning disabilities have the things they need day to day, like food and medicines.

Helps to make sure information is made available in easy read and accessible formats.

This will help people who have a learning disability understand the things they need to do in dangerous situations to keep themselves safe. 

Monitoring of the situation in “care institutions” to make sure people with learning disabilities are not abandoned or harmed.

That humanitarian organisations give people who have a learning disability the support they need, whether they are living in the community or in institutions.

Wendy Burt, Representative Body Co Chair said:

“As a family member of someone with a learning disability I am concerned that the emergency plans and crisis responses consider all citizens including disabled people and their families.

I hope that the rights and safety of everyone will be actively included in humanitarian action in Ukraine and for those who have sought refuge elsewhere, whether they live with their family or in a formal service setting.”

Inclusion Europe are looking at other things they can do to help people with learning disabilities and their families in Ukraine.

And they are asking people for their help.

There is a list of ways you can help on their website.

See that here

My Life My Choice are donating money from their Stingray Nightclub.

See how you can get involved in that here 

The European Disability Forum has some tools and resources to help make sure people with disabilities are included in the Ukraine emergency response.

See the European Disability Forum resources here