Learning Disability Week, which launched today, will see a programme of events and activities in Sheffield designed to raise awareness, challenge stigma and celebrate the talents and contributions of people who have a learning disability.
Learning Disability Week is an annual national initiative and this year’s theme "Do You See Me?" aims to highlight the importance of visibility, representation and understanding. It 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.
Today’s launch party in Sheffield Town Hall opened with an introduction by Councillor Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council, followed by speakers from ArtWorks South Yorkshire, Learning Disability England, Sheffield's Learning Disabilities Partnership Board, Sheffield City Council and Sheffield Voices.
There was a video message from Learning Disability England, followed by a sunflower making workshop led by ArtWorks. The sunflower is a globally recognised symbol for non-visible disabilities or invisible disabilities that was established in the UK in 2016.
Everyone is invited to join the free activities and events that the week has to offer.
They include an art exhibition in the Town Hall which showcases artwork by people with a learning disability, an Autism and Disability stall at Heeley City Farm, a guided trampoline therapy experience, a Kelham Island pub art trail, The Adventure Service’s supported walk starting at Lady Canningʼs Plantation as well as other events.
More details, including which events need to be booked in advance are at ArtWorks.
Learning Disability Week has sponsored the documentary film festival Sheffield DocFest this year, the Showroom are giving 20% discount on accessible screenings.
Sheffield’s libraries will feature a selection of books on learning disabilities and on Tuesday 17 June, 28 Sheffield-based services will gather at Sheffield Town Hall to showcase their work.
Thursday 19 June will see live music from The Allsorts at Lughole and on Friday 20 Artworks and The Adventure Service will hold sunflower and mallet making workshops in the Peace Gardens.
The week will round off with RivelinCo hosting a closing party at their Midsummer Festival on Sunday 22 June.
We’re looking forward to Learning Disability Week which is an important week for all of us to take the time to think about what people with a learning disability bring into our lives every day.
Sheffield’s programme for the week is packed with plenty to do and see. I would encourage people to get involved in the free activities if they can. Everyone is welcome and people will most likely hear, take part in or see something that will be enriching, giving them thoughts and memories that they can take away and reflect on.
In Sheffield we’re making significant progress with our Learning Disability Strategy and it’s vital that we continue this momentum to support adults with learning disabilities to have the best opportunities and support that they can here in Sheffield. It’s a big agenda and we’re working steadily to turn our commitments into reality. Like all our work, this success so far is due to working closely together, with a robust strategy in place and common goals and with the right people around the table. I thank everyone for making these achievements possible and recognise the big difference that this work makes to so many people.Councillor Angela Argenzio, Chair of Adult Health and Social Care Policy Committee
The Council’s Learning Disability Strategy, called ‘Hear Our Voice’ sets out its vision for 2023 to 2030. It’s helping all adults with a learning disability to focus on the most important things that need to be done, who will do them, and when.
The Learning Disability Strategy was created with the Learning Disability Partnership Board, and the key focus is making sure that people’s voices are an integral part of this progress. It was produced through the ‘Chance to Choose’ project in 2022, which engaged with more than 500 people with lived experience and was led by Sheffield Voices.