Learning Disability Week 2023: How you can celebrate and support people with a learning disability

19 - 25 June 2023 is Learning Disability Week. The theme this year is: Busting Myths about Life with a Learning Disability. According to the charity Mencap, there are 1.5 million people learning with a disability.  This year mencap wants to show the world the incredible things that people with a learning disability can achieve with the right support, smash misconceptions and shine a light on the stigma many people still face every day. Seeing people with a learning disability featured in the media helps increase acceptance and reduce stigma. 

Learning Disability Week is an annual celebration of people with learning disabilities, and their families and carers, organised by the learning disability charity Mencap. Mencap's CEO, Edel Harris OBE, says:  "Every year, this week is a fantastic opportunity to amplify the voices of people with a learning disability across the country, and build on the work we do all year round to support people with a learning disability, their families and carers. We want the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives. We want to show people what living life with a learning disability actually means. The people we support have hopes, dreams and ambitions just like anyone else, and they continue to break records, bust myths and challenge misconceptions. We hope people will support us by donating to Mencap, taking part in a fundraising event, or even be inspired to set one up themselves."

You can get involved with Learning Disability Week if you fulfill this points:

1. Read and learn: find out more at Mencap, including information on the Myth Busters (a group of ambassadors transforming perceptions about what life with a learning disability looks like).
2. Volunteer: There are loads of ways you can get involved as a volunteer and make a huge difference in the life of someone with a learning disability.
3. Campaign: make a stand with Mencap on issues ensuring people with a learning disability have equal rights and do not face discrimination.
4. Donate to charities: Show your support to a learning disability charity.

REHACARE.com; Source: Mencap