LEARNING DISABILITY WEEK, 19th - 26th JUNE 2023
What is it like to live with a disability? Disabilities affect many people in many different ways. This year, Learning Disability Week is all about busting myths surrounding disability by bringing the reality of living with a disability to the attention of the public. To raise awareness of the issues faced by people living with a disability, we asked Josie, one of our regular participants, to tell us more about what life is like for her.
What kind of disability affects you?
Prader-Willi Syndrome, Autism, Cyclothymia (physical and learning disabilities).
Disability is not always obvious to other people. Do you think that it is hard for people to understand or recognise a hidden disability?
Yes. People who don’t know me don’t know that I can’t eat some things and don’t know why I get upset.
Do you think people are kind to those with disabilities?
Yes, people aren’t really mean.
What would you like to tell the world about your life?
I feel happy but sometimes I get very emotional and get very tired. I wish I didn’t have my disabilities. I love some things I do, like singing with Music24, seeing my friends, helping my mum with her dog-walking job, and looking after my dog, Jazz (a Labrador).
Do you think it is important to focus on abilities rather than disabilities?
It’s best to think about things you can do, not what you can’t do.
What are your greatest achievements or your proudest moments?
Sponsored walks for charity. Doing the Summer Reading Challenge at the library and then volunteering to help all the children join the challenge every year. Doing admin at Champneys Health Spa every Friday morning. Singing at Music 24 and with my local drama group.
Apart from Music24, what other hobbies or interests do you have?
Reading, watching soaps, singing with drama group, and I really love pugs!
Do you volunteer or have a job?
Yes, I volunteer for two hours a week doing admin for Champneys Health Spa at Henlow, clipping guest packs together. I volunteer at my town library in the summer signing up the children for the Summer Reading Scheme and giving them their stickers and medals. I also help my mum with her dog-walking job.
What new things have you learned?
It’s important to get to work on time. It’s important to wear the right clothes for your job - I need boots for the mud if we take the dogs out in the rain but I can’t wear muddy boots at the library!
How important is independence and in what ways do you enjoy independence?
Very important that I make my own decisions about things like when I go to bed and what TV programmes I watch.
Do you live alone or with others?
I live with my family: Mum, Dad, and my little brother Daniel. Plus my dog!
What do you like most about Music24?
I love the warm-up song: ‘Walk To The End Of The Road’ and I like singing songs that I choose.
Which Music24 group/s, including location/s, do you participate in?
First Note, previously named Bigglesrock, on Wednesdays in Biggleswade and First Note again on Fridays in Stevenage.
Do you have any further comments you’d like to add?
I like seeing Teela, Graeme, Ashley and Paula from Music24, they are all nice. I like seeing my friends and sometimes new people there.
For more information about how you can get involved for LD Week, visit Mencap’s website here.