“We must move forward, but never, never forget those who got us here in the first place”
Blog by Gary Bourlet on remembering people with a learning disability who we have lost.
Latest News
Latest News
“Speak Up and don’t be afraid” – Black history month
October is Black History Month – this is a month of meetings, films or activities to celebrate the history of British black people.
Covid and the law – latest for people, families and supporters: Webinar
Covid and the law – latest for people, families and supporters
Tuesday 3rd November: 3 – 4pm (on Zoom)
Learning Disability England Annual Conference 2022
The 2022 Learning Disability England annual online conference took place on 15th, 16th and 17th March 2022.
“Be committed and hopeful. Be the difference don’t just talk about it. We are stronger together.”
Conference attendee
The conference started with the sharing of the Good Lives framework.
See the Good Lives: Building Change Together framework and videos here
This first session was open to everyone.
Members talked about Good Lives, the history and what it means to them.
And how to get involved.
“I draw on services to live a meaningful and equal life. I never set out to become a social justice activist…but I ask you all to become one too.”
Conference speaker
The Learning Disability England team and conference attendees shared pictures and ideas on Twitter using the hashtag #GoodLives.
See pictures and comments from the conference on Twitter here
“Thank you for a brilliant session. Lovely to hear all the great work.”
Conference attendee
What is the Good Lives framework?
This is a document that brings together people’s thoughts and ideas about what it will take for everyone with learning disabilities to be able to live their good life.
It is a conversation starter and a call to action.
“We’re stronger when we work together. It takes time to work in partnership. But it it is better to do less with more people than to let partnerships fade.”
Conference speaker
The conference sessions looked at what we already know.
Sharing the brilliant things people are already doing.
Inspiring us all through storytelling.
Sharing knowledge.
And creating conversation.
“As a parent of a young adult, I love seeing examples of genuine inclusion and valuing people’s strengths. Not only would it open up new options for him, it would mean services are more likely to meet his needs WIN WIN WIN!”
Conference attendee
Session recordings and slides will be shared with members once all the speakers have given their permission.
More about the sessions and speakers:
Vaccine to be offered to all people with learning disabilities
Today it has been agreed that everyone with a learning disability who is on a GP register will be offered the Covid vaccine as part of priority group 6.
Surveys and research
Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo.
Health & Social Care Select Committee Inquiry: Evidence from people with lived experience
Guest blog by Ivan Olbrechts, Representative Body family and friends member
COVID-19 and the Rights of Disabled People: Open statement from Disabled People’s Organisations and Allies
Today Learning Disability England has joined with 22 other organisations to send a Joint Statement to Matt Hancock (Secretary of State for Health and Social Care) Nadhim Zahawi (Under Secretary of State for Vaccine Rollout) and Simon Stevens (NHS CEO).
What’s in a day – does Covid offer a once in a generation chance to rethink day support?
Guest Blog from Angela Catley, Director of Development at Community Catalysts
This blog contributes to the #SocialCareFuture debate.
Speaking out and having a learning disability
A conversation between Shaun Webster and Gary Bourlet
Last week saw the end of the Learning Disability England Virtual 2021 Conference.
It was amazing to hear from so many inspirational self-advocates .
One of the main things that became very clear is that the voice of self-advocates must be heard far and wide.
In fact, all people with a learning disability should be given a platform to use their voice and the media plays a big role in this.
Shaun Webster MBE, is an author and a campaigner for the rights of disabled people and also has a learning disability himself.
Gary Bourlet has been a self-advocate for over 30 years and is our Membership and Engagement lead.