Feeling connected to others within a community and action to create an inclusive society were key themes of the Learning Disability England conference. Sue Pemberton was there
It seems a long time and almost another world since the Learning Disability England conference took place on a sunny February morning in Manchester. The theme was “Including everyone – what next? How do we build on what is working now?”
There was a positive buzz at the event. The line-up was excellent and many parts of the learning disability community were represented, including self-advocates, providers and local authority representatives. There were notable speakers and a variety of workshops where people could share viewpoints and discuss issues for campaigns.
Ideas were pooled on maximising health, both physical and mental, as well as on developing a stronger voice in campaigning for change. Innovative practice from around the country was shared. The main themes – “belonging”, “community “, “connecting”, “achievement” and “place” – all raised strong feelings. These can each be achieved in many ways. Place matters and, while this is different for each person, belonging is achieved through being part of a community, which enables individuals to reach those goals.
Isabelle Garnett talked about the #Human Too and Homes Not Hospitals campaigns. We heard about how many people with learning disabilities are being denied the opportunities we all seek, and are being held in hospitals and assessment and treatment units with no sign of being discharged. These people are denied a life in the community, the complete opposite of what everyone says they want.
Talking points: justice to service design
Highlights of the discussions included:
● How “civil society” based on justice and solidarity needs people with learning disabilities to be in the room
● Services need to be designed by those who will use them – Hammersmith and Fulham Council employs a co-production commissioner for example
● A discussion about innovative software that helps people to control their personal plans, goals and aspirations
● How the Reach standards can help people decide who they live with, how they are involved in their community and how they exercise their rights.
● Speakers from L’Arche communities describing how people with and without learning disabilities supported each other by living together and sharing life experiences.
● KeyRing Living Support Networks talked about connection within communities through breaking down barriers and celebrating skills and talents
● The Thera Trust group spoke on employing people with learning disabilities in management roles.
A lot of good organisations and groups are out there doing pioneering work to achieve belonging, but challenges remain. A group of self-advocates closed the day with this resounding message: “We want what everyone wants – a home, fun, a sense of belonging and a sense of who we are. “We are all in this together and we want to be equals. We must be seen as part of the solution – we are not the problem. “We just need some help along the way to achieve some of it, to be part of our community, for people to listen to us, to believe in us. We are on the road, there is a long way to go, but we know we can do it.”
● Learning Disability England and the conference: https://tinyurl.com/yb6mec5r ● Reach standards: https://tinyurl.com/ y9pjp7ay
Sue Pemberton is chief executive officer of Integrate https://integratepreston.org.uk´
