Learning Disability Week isn’t just a themed social media post or a tick-box activity. It’s a moment to pause and properly listen. A time to understand that behind every learning disability label is a person, someone with thoughts, humour, quirks, opinions, frustrations, and dreams like anyone else.
It might change how you learn or process the world around you. Still, it doesn’t stop you from belonging and living life to the best of your abilities, even though my disabilities are more of a physical nature and not of a learning disability or academic nature. People are still quick to make incorrect assumptions about my capabilities.
I’ve lived my whole life being judged by what people assume I can’t do. Having cerebral palsy and a speech impediment, I’ve had people decide who I am before I even say a word. But what’s worse is when society assumes people with learning disabilities don’t have anything to say at all.
They do.
They just need the time, space and respect to say it in their own way.
● Support, not control. It’s not about 'fixing' anyone. It’s about giving people the tools, tech, time, and trust to thrive.
● Empathy, not sympathy. Don't feel sorry for someone with a learning disability. Learn from them. Ask. Listen. Respect.
● Inclusion, not just access. It’s not enough to be let into the room. You need to be included in what’s going on.
When I go into organisations and especially schools and talk with children about disability, I always say this: It’s okay to be different, be accepting of yourself and others. Because being different is what makes life interesting, and accepting yourself as you are, even when society tries to box you up, is where real strength lies. Life would be boring if everything and everyone were the same, right?
Whether your learning disability is visible or hidden, whether you’ve been labelled or not, you are not broken. You just do things your way, and that’s completely fine.
This week, don’t just post a graphic or chuck out a hashtag.
● Take the time to really understand what a learning disability is. Listen to the experiences of those living with it. This is how we can truly learn and grow.
● Take a moment to reflect on your own attitudes. Are you truly inclusive? It's essential to be aware of our biases and strive towards a more inclusive and accepting society.
● Ask people what support looks like to them.
● And if you’re a parent, carer or teacher, teach acceptance, not avoidance.
To every child and adult living with a learning disability, your voice matters. You matter. Your unique perspective is a valuable part of our world. We just need to stop and actually listen.
