Having a learning disability can be tough, and quite often, a lot of attention is focused on the things that having a learning disability can hinder you from doing. Having a learning disability should no longer be seen as a barrier that will stop you from achieving what you want to do. In 2019 there is so much support out there to help those with learning disabilities to access whatever it is that they want to do.
There is no longer the underlying thought of ‘I can’t do that,’ rather, ‘what is in place to help me succeed in giving that a go?’ Despite this improved acceptance and understanding of learning disabilities, a large number of those with learning disabilities – 1 in 3, a 2015 study found – spend less than an hour outside of their homes on a Saturday.
With such an emphasis on the importance of being active and getting out of the house, an enormous effort has been made to ensure that those that have learning disabilities – and, often, those who don’t as well, have things in place that will allow them to engage with one another and enjoy doing the things that they love doing together, as part of the wider community.
What is Learning Disability Week all about?
Research shows that undertaking physical and social activities is beneficial in many ways, including reducing loneliness and improving mental wellbeing in both the younger and older generation across the board. Having the incentive to get out of the house and enjoy taking part in different activities, irrespective of your personal interests, isn’t something that comes easy to the general population, however, particularly if you feel as though your learning disability is a barrier to achieving the things that you want to.
This is, of course, most definitely not the case, and as an organisation, we are working at ensuring that those with and without learning disabilities can come together to enjoy the things in life that we often take for granted. Learning Disability Week 2019 is highlighting this emphasis on getting involved in sporting activities by making its annual theme ‘Sport and Inclusion’.
One of the amazing things about sport, aside from the obvious health benefits, is that it has the ability to be incredibly inclusive – everyone can get involved in one way or another in spite of any difficulties they may have in accessing other activities.
So what do we want you to do during Learning Disability Week?
Whether you have a learning disability or not, we are asking that during Learning Disability Week 2019, you take it upon yourself to get involved in one of the inclusive sporting activities held in your local community, allowing yourself to be immersed and experience something that you might not otherwise have a go at.
Improving attitudes towards those with a learning disability is another of our goals and we truly believe that using positive reinforcements like sports and social activities is a great step in the right direction towards the inclusive treatment of those with learning disabilities. Working together, playing for the same team and helping each other to have the safest and most effective session together, is one step towards establishing a level playing field and eliminating the negativity that those with social or learning disabilities are often subjected to.
No matter where you live in the country, there’s something for you.
Whether you’re a hard-core sport participant or you want to just dip your toe into a few brand new activities, there will be something that you can get involved in around your local area and Learning Disability Week is the perfect opportunity to push yourself and do something new – whether you have a learning disability or not. If this sounds like your cup of tea, then check out the events taking place this week to see whether there is something on there that you can see yourself getting involved with.
Date | Event | Time | Venue |
Friday 14 June | Preston Learning Disability Forum | 14:00 – 16:00 | Preston Town Hall
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Monday 17 June | Launch | 10:00 to 14:00 | Preston Flag Market
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Tuesday 18 June | Football Session
First come, first served Information Library Event |
10:00 to 11:00
13:00 to 15:30 |
Play Football, Tulketh Community Sports College,
Tag Lane, Ingol, PRESTON Plungington Community Centre, Brook Street PRESTON
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Wednesday 19 June | Live Healthier: Live Longer
DENW Hate Crime Event Club 98 Disco |
10:30 – 12:30
13:00 – 15:30 18:30 to 21:00 |
Life Centre, Chorley Hospital, Preston Rd, CHORLEY PR7 1PP
DENW Office, 103 Church Street PRESTON PR1 3BS Glover’s Bar, 43 Glover’s Court, PRESTON PR1 3LS
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Thursday 20 June | Face 2 Face Meeting
The Greatest Snowman, ADA Performance |
14:00 to 16:00
Starts at 19:30 |
Plungington Community Centre, Brook Street PRESTON
Village Hall, Knowle Green, PRESTON PR3 2XR Tickets cost £4 each |
Friday 21 June | Music Session
Launch of new Health Group With Afternoon Tea FX Disco |
10:00 – 12:00
14:00 – 16:00 18:00 to 21:00 |
St Cuthbert’s Church Centre, Lytham Rd, PRESTON PR2 3AR
Plungington Community Centre, Brook Street PRESTON Bannister House, 23-25 Sedgwick Street, PRESTON PR1 1TP
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Saturday 22 June | Walk in the Park (1 – 2 miles) | Starts at 13:00 | Meet at The Pavilion Café, Avenham Park, PRESTON |