'Do you see me?'
To build welcoming communities, it's important that people with additional needs have the same opportunities as everyone else to live satisfying and valued lives.
Learning Disability Week ran from 17 to 23 June this year to celebrate and show what life is like for residents with a learning disability. The theme for 2024 was "Do you see me?" in the effort to ensure that people are seen, heard and valued.
All over the county, residents with learning disabilities are living their best life, building skills and 'giving back' to their community. To show how they are making a difference, we shared some videos of people who are helping make Surrey a better place.
Carinder is a passionate campaigner for disability rights, who is involved with many groups in Surrey and beyond. Below, he explains why this is important and how his work makes him feel.
Phil's interest in buses led him to a role that helps people with transport information. He has joined a council stakeholder group to represent others and offer suggestions.
Emma Jane joined a weight loss programme led by Surrey Heartlands that saw her lose well over two stone. Her aim is to become a Slimming World consultant for people like her who need some extra help.
Hannah volunteers twice a week at Woking Hospice as well as at the Dramatize café in Woking.
The same video also features Clive, who is abseiling down the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth to raise money for LinkAble. LinkAble is a local charity that helps people with learning disabilities and autism.
Further help
For those who aren't yet as active as these individuals, Surrey's learning disability and autism hub offers ways to get involved through bodies such as the Surrey People's Group, or local Valuing People Groups. It's also the go-to place for information and links to services in Surrey.
Easy-read information and videos can be found on a range of topics, including:
- adult social care assessments
- health
- living independently
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