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“Do You See Me?”: Learning Disability Week
Learning Disability Week 2025 begins on Monday 16th June, with the powerful theme: “Do you see me?”
Led by Mencap, this year’s campaign asks all of us to look beyond assumptions and labels and to recognise people with learning disabilities as individuals with skills, ambition, and voices that matter.
Learning Disability Week is not only a time to raise awareness but also a moment to celebrate the incredible achievements of children and young people with SEND who are making a real impact in their communities every day.
Celebrating young people’s strengths and achievements
Children and young people with SEND are capable of amazing things – and they deserve the same opportunities as everyone else to thrive, dream big, and make their mark on the world.
Every day, we’re inspired by the determination, creativity, and resilience we see in young people. Many are already making a difference – not just in their own lives, but in their communities and beyond.
Here are some inspiring stories of young people we’ve supported:
Charlie
Charlie, a young person with SEND, is thriving in his job at Marwell Zoo – showing that with the right opportunities and support, workplaces can be inclusive for everyone.
We spent a day with Charlie to see what a typical workday looks like for him. Along the way, he shares his top tips, and his colleagues reflect on what inclusion in the workplace means for people with SEND.
Jimmy
Jimmy, a disabled young person who communicates using an eye-gazer, was recognised earlier in 2024 for his outstanding contribution to SEND participation at the National SEND Best Practice Conference.
His nomination highlighted his work with our Southern Young People’s Participation Team (YPPT), The Collective, and Making Participation Work, where he’s been a powerful advocate for improved participation and better SEND services. Jimmy now volunteers with our Southern Young People’s Participation Team and continues to amplify youth voice.
Young people met with MPs
Back in November 2024, a group of young advocates who attend our participation groups, met with MPs to share their lived experiences of the SEND system.
This event, part of the Disabled Children’s Partnership MP SEND Toolkit launch, sparked important conversations about the key issues impacting young people with SEND.
How you can get involved
There are many meaningful ways to take part in Learning Disability Week:
Fundraise
Take on a challenge, host an event, or get creative – every pound you raise helps us support more children and young people with SEND.
Donate
Your support helps us reach more children and young people with SEND, providing them with life-changing opportunities and helping to build a brighter, more inclusive future.
Looking ahead
Let’s move beyond stereotypes and assumptions and truly recognise the strengths and potential of every child and young person with SEND. Let’s break down barriers and create inclusive spaces where every child and young person are seen, heard, and supported.