A new organisation to promote the rights and voice of people with learning disabilities in our society launches on June 14th at the House of Lords.
Learning Disability England brings together people with learning disabilities, their families and interested professionals to strengthen the voice of people with learning disabilities.
The new organisation is launching at a time when services are coming under increasing pressure, and people with learning disabilities are losing out. Social care services and support are being cut, including funding for self-advocacy; and changes to employment support allowance and disability living allowance mean disabled people are poorer. Alongside this, housing options are increasingly limited and thousands of people with learning disabilities remain stuck in the wrong services for their needs, such as assessment and treatment units (ATUs). In the meantime, families often face a constant battle to find support for both themselves and their loved ones.
The launch of the new membership organisation follows a consultation amongst people with learning disabilities; their families and friends; and professionals working in the learning disability field. It will campaign on key issues affecting people with learning disabilities, as well as providing support and advice to the membership.
Gary Bourlet, co-founder of Learning Disability England said:
“We are not equal in our society. If you have a learning disability, you’re more likely to die at a younger age than a non-disabled person. Learning Disability England will bring people together to fight all these bad things that are happening and to campaign for the rights of people with learning disabilities and their families”.
