Learning Disability Week 2021

It’s estimated that there are around 5,000 working age adults with learning disabilities in Brighton & Hove. Of these, 23% are thought to have a moderate to severe learning disability and using local services.

Leaning Disability Week is an annual opportunity to raise awareness of the challenges faced by people with a Learning Disability across the UK.

There have continued to be significant challenges and impacts on people with learning disabilities as a result of the pandemic.

A report by Brighton & Hove Speak Out highlighted key areas as:

• access to information including easy read and digital access
• the importance of activities and social inclusion
• support with physical and mental health
• rebuilding of confidence, skills and independence

Easy Read information on our web pages

People with learning disabilities tell us that using websites can be hard to use because there are too many words, not enough pictures and a lot of jargon.

To make it easier for them to find the information they need for themselves, we've put together some new Easy Read web pages on the council's website. The pages use photosymbol pictures and simple language.

You can find information about:

• how to contact us
• health and Covid-19
• council services

We will be adding more information about:

• work, volunteering, learning and education
• activities, social life, leisure and sport
• support and housing

The pages were put together with the help of the Brighton and Hove Speak Out Link Group and the Learning Disability Partnership Board. 

Shannon is part of the Link Group. She shares what she thinks of the pages, why some websites can be hard to read and why it's important that people with learning disabilities can find information for themselves.

Creative activities

The theme of this year's week is art and creativity.

Being creative has been a great way for adults with learning disabilities, their families and social care providers to find alternative activities at home, to stay connected with others and to have fun. It's also a great way for people to express themselves and support their mental health and wellbeing, which has been so important through such a difficult time.

Learning disability social care providers in the city have come together during Learning Disability Week to share some of the amazing creative work they have been doing to support adults with learning disabilities.

Examples include:

• The creation of a community quilt
• Preston Drove and Wellington House artwork
• Grace Eyre's Montefiore Artists are back as part of the Artists Open Houses (via Zoom) as part of Brighton Festival 2021 
• Downs View Life Skills College are creating a 3D collage of The Great Outdoors as part of their Art Week next week

Find out more

If you want to get creative there's lots of information, resources and activities available online from Mencap.

Find out how you can get help if you have a learning disability.