Learning Disability Week 2023!
What is Learning Disability Week about?
The 19-25th of June 2023 marks this year’s Learning Disability Week. The week is important as it allows us to celebrate the achievements of those with learning disabilities while simultaneously raising awareness and educating others, allowing others to have a greater understanding of what learning disabilities are and develop greater empathy towards those that are affected by them. 1.5 million people in the UK have a learning disability, so it is important that their experience is heard and marking this week is a way of making that possible
Myth Busting
This year, the theme is all about busting the myths surrounding learning disabilities and ending discrimination that may be fuelled by common misconceptions. For example, a common misconception is that those with learning disabilities can’t learn. However, we see this myth disproven everyday at Leeds Mencap as we see the young people who attend grow and develop their skills, showing us how incredible they really are. Someone with a learning disability learns in a different way than others so may require different support. This is what we do at Leeds Mencap, help those with learning disabilities in the way that is best for them!
Learning disability week in previous years
Each year the awareness week focuses on different issues that those with learning disabilities face. In 2010 it focused on getting the NHS to improve their treatment of those with learning disabilities. In 2017 it focused on employment and last year in 2022 the week’s theme focused on the experiences of during and the aftermath of the pandemic.
What are we doing?
To celebrate the week, we are doing many fun activities to raise money! Our nursery will be doing a sponsored Pram Push which involves pushing prams whilst avoiding obstacles! Our Youth club will be taking part in a variety of sports challenges such as trying to get as many balls as possible on target in the net, shooting as many bean bags as possible through the hoop, who can build the highest brick tower and lastly how many jumps can you do on the trampoline? To sponsor these fundraisers for Learning Disability Week you can donate on our just giving page = https://justgiving.com/campaign/ldw2023
Additionally, to raise awareness in schools, we have created an assembly and lesson plans about Learning Disability Week, to teach students about some of the challenges those with a learning disability may have to face. These can be requested by emailing fundraising@leedsmencap.org.uk
We are hoping to raise £1,500 throughout the month of June for our Learning Disability Week Campaign. This money will go directly towards supporting young people with learning disabilities and their families to be included and to achieve their aspirations.
We understand that the current cost of living crisis makes donating harder, but any contribution, big or small, helps us to make a huge difference.
🌙Just £5 could empower a parent to attend a workshop on healthy sleep routines, supporting their child with a learning disability
😀Just £10 could provide a sensory jigsaw that enhances problem-solving abilities for children with learning disabilities.
We have set up a Just Giving Page to make donating easier than ever- https://justgiving.com/campaign/ldw2023
emember, it’s not just about the donation amount; it’s about coming together as a community and showing our support. Spread the word, encourage your friends, family, and co-workers to contribute, and let’s use the power of social media to make a lasting impact.
Together, we can create a world where every individual’s abilities are recognized and celebrated!
