Publish date: 19 June 2025
Do you see us?
A powerful theme for this year’s Learning Disabilities Week (16 to 22 June), highlighting the importance of visibility of those living with learning disabilities.
Our Learning Disabilities services in Ealing and Hounslow held events to showcase the range of specialist support they offer adults with learning disabilities in West London. They joined forces with service users to showcase the positive impact that seeking support can have on adults with learning disabilities.
The events were open to all and were supported by local partners from adult social care services and third sector organisations that work closely with our learning disabilities services to provide joined up care for residents.
Stories, signs and support: Creative communication in the Heart of Hounslow
(Photo: Left to right - Yasmin Bandali, Highly Specialist Speech and Language therapist with service user Suzanne during a speech and language therapy taster session)
Earlier in the week, Hounslow Adult Disability Learning services hosted a stalls event at the Heart of Hounslow. Our service users also attended to show their support, engaging warmly with visitors and asking questions such as, which football club they supported. Local partners from Hounslow Adult Social care shared insights into their referrals process, while residents from Dimensions The Mulberries care home took part in a Makaton session.
Some of the resources shared with visitors; included information on Makaton, sign language and ‘Beyond Words,’ picture books. Speech and Language Therapists use the ‘Beyond Words’ books during sessions with service users to support the development of effective communication. This involves the reader creating a story based on the picture, while the therapist writes down the narrative in a notebook (see image above). Some of these stories go onto be published and shared with the service user group.
Mark Sheen, Consultant Nurse and Clinical Services Manager, Hounslow Adult Learning Disabilities service said: “This year’s theme for National Learning Disability Week is "Do you see me?". It emphasises the importance of recognising, valuing, and including individuals with learning disabilities into wider society.
“The theme challenges the continued barriers that people with learning disabilities experience and promotes being heard and valued.
“By focussing on visibility and understanding, together, we can help break down barriers for this population group (including access to timely and person-centred healthcare).”
Celebrating and supporting learning disabilities through performing arts in Ealing
Caption: A performance by the IMPACT theatre group at the garden party on Wednesday 18 June.
The Ealing Community Team for People with Learning Disabilities (CTPLD) brought together service users, families, and local partners for a lively garden party celebrating community and inclusion. Co-hosted with the Short Breaks respite service, the CTPLD social care team, and MENCAP, the event welcomed attendees with sunshine, performances, and plenty of smiles.
A highlight of the day was a high-energy performance by the IMPACT theatre group —a creative day service supporting people with learning disabilities through acting, singing, and sign dancing. Adding a fun, educational twist, the CTPLD health team led a Makaton challenge to encourage communication through signs and symbols.
Zoe Wilkinson, Speech and Language Therapist said: “Everyone was so engaged. It got really competitive, in a fun way. It was a brilliant way to bring people together, and everyone seemed to really enjoy it.”
The Learning Disabilities social care team provided information about accessing local services, while on-site vision specialists from OnTheGo Eyecare helped raise awareness about eye testing. The event wrapped with a cheerful raffle, thanks to local business donations.
You can view photographs from the events below
