Scottish Learning Disability Week
What Is Scottish Learning Disability Week?
Scottish Learning Disability Week is a national celebration and campaign which is steered by the Scottish Commission for People With Learning Disabilities (SCLD). Each year, the week centres around a different theme that highlights the lived experiences, challenges, barriers, assumptions, and achievements of people with lived experience of learning disabilities.
The level of aim is to:
Celebrate the talents and contributions of people with learning disabilities.
Raise awareness and challenge barriers.
Start real conversations about inclusion, rights, and equality.
Encourage organisations, businesses, schools, and communities to take positive action.
It takes place once a year across Scotland, with events, activities, blogs, talks, and campians outlining to bring people together and make real change.
🌍 Raising Awareness, Building Understanding
Every year, I take part in Scottish Learning Disability Week, which is a chance to shine a spotlight on learning disabilities, challenge assumptions, and encourage positive conversations.
Raising Awareness -the week highlights the experiences, talents, and contributions of people living with learning disabilities. Sharing real-life experiences brings visibility to issues that are too often overlooked and helps people to see ability rather than limitation.
Building Understanding - Awareness alone is not enough; real change comes when people understand. The week encourages reflection, learning, and making conversation. It helps break down assumptions, barriers, stereotypes, tackles stigma, and shows the everyday barriers people with lived experience of learning disabilities encounter.
Creating Change - Together, awareness and understanding lead to action. The week inspires communities, organisations, businesses, charities, and individuals to commit to inclusion and equality, ensuring that people with lived experiences of learning disabilities are fully recognised as valued members of society, with rights, talents, and opportunities.
Speaking Out
I have shared my experience in more ways than one through blogs, talks, and videos, and more during Learning Disability Week, helping to raise awareness and challenge stereotypes.
Writing Blogs
Each year, I have contributed blogs and articles linked to the theme, offering my take on things as someone with lived experience. My writing has reached organisations, communities, and individuals who are passionate about inclusion.
Sharing Quotes And Messages
My words have been used in a lot of ways, in campaigns to highlight that people with learning disabilities are here with talent, time, and ideas.
Working Alongside Organisations
I have collaborated with so many groups, individuals, and organisations like SCLD to make sure our voices, like mine, are heard during this important work and week.
Encouraging Inclusion