Did you know that this week is Learning Disability Week?
- kevinndaws
- Jun 17
- 2 min read
You may ask what is Learning Disability Week?
Learning Disability Week led by Mencap, makes sure the world hears what life is like if you, or someone you know, has a learning disability. It raise awareness, challenges stigma and celebrates the talents and contributions of people who have a learning disability.
In 2025, the theme of Learning Disability Week is “Do You See Me?”. The theme aims to highlight the importance of visibility, representation and understanding and is a call to the public to acknowledge, respect and empower individuals who have a learning disability, ensuring they are seen, heard and valued within their communities.
Why is Learning Disability Week Important?
Learning Disability Week plays a crucial role in promoting acceptance and equality. It helps to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding learning disabilities, highlighting the abilities and potential of those affected. This week encourages communities, schools, and workplaces to reflect on how they can be more accessible and supportive. By raising awareness, Learning Disability Week helps to reduce stigma and create a society where everyone feels valued.
Do You See Me?
"Do you see me?" is about making sure that people with a learning disability are are seen, heard, included, and valued in all aspects of life.
Did you know that:
Learning disabilities affect approximately 1.5 million people in the UK.
Only 26.7% of adults with a learning disability are employed yet 86% of unemployed people with a learning disability want a paid job.
1 in 3 people with a learning disability spend less than 1 hour outside their home on a typical Saturday.
Over 2,000 people with a learning disability and/or autistic people are currently locked away in mental health hospitals.
There are 870,000 working age adults in the UK with a learning disability
People with a learning disability continue to face serious health inequalities, and issues accessing care. On average, males with a learning disability die 21 years younger than males from the general population, and females 23 years younger than females from the general population.
When we asked All4Inclusion member, Carinar Mahli, to tell us why Learning Disability Week is important he said:
“Learning Disability Week 2025 is a time to reflect on the importance of seeing individuals with learning disabilities for who they truly are. This year's theme, “Do You See Me?”, encourages us to look beyond labels and assumptions, and to recognize the full humanity of those with learning disabilities.
Each person with a learning disability is a unique individual with their own dreams, talents, emotions, and intrinsic value. They are not defined solely by their diagnoses. They deserve to be acknowledged, respected, and included in all aspects of society.
This week, let's commit to creating a more inclusive world. Raise your voice to challenge the stigma surrounding learning disabilities. Celebrate the diverse abilities and perspectives that neurodiversity brings to our communities.
Join the conversation and advocate for a world where everyone is seen, heard, and celebrated. Together, we can make a difference.”
Below you can download a copy of the Easy read version of Learning Disability Week 2025 produced by Carinder
For further information about Learning Disability Week please follow this link https://www.mencap.org.uk/learningdisabilityweek
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