2023-06-21 14:12:13
Allan gets the tattoo of his dreams
National learning disability charity Hft is sharing the empowering story of Allan, a learning disabled man who recently achieved his goal of getting a tattoo, as part of this year’s Learning Disability Week (19-25 June) as it addresses socially-disabled attitudes towards adults with learning disabilities.
Allan, who has been supported by the charity at its supported living service in Oxfordshire for over 12 years, first started talking about wanting a tattoo two years ago, in the middle of the pandemic. This was largely inspired by his love for Marvel and the Movie Comic Media (MCM) Comic Con which he attended with support worker Bridget Kislingbury.
The team were eager to support Allan with his choice and make the process as comfortable as possible, enabling an opportunity that may otherwise not be accessible for someone with a learning disability due to accessibility barriers created by society.
Sue Price, Cluster Team Manager at the Hft service, explains, “Allan had always talked about getting a tattoo but it’s fair to say that Covid-19, and a bit of a lack of confidence, were, at the time, standing in the way of him being able to do so.
“But once we were out the other side of the pandemic, myself and Allan’s support workers, Bridget and Jade, came together to figure out how we could best support him to achieve his goal.”
Allan begun by researching exactly what he wanted to get tattooed on his arm before settling on the striking logo of the animated television series Thundercats. He then, along with Sue, watched videos of people having tattoos, and of the equipment that was being used, to give him an idea of what to expect.
Bridget then accompanied Allan to the Acreedo tattoo shop in Abingdon where he had an opportunity to meet his tattoo artist and familiarise himself with the environment in which he would receive his tattoo.
Bridget says, “I asked Allan’s parents to print a picture of the one he wanted, and when I supported Allan to the tattoo shop to find out more, he showed them the picture and pointed to exactly where he wanted it. An appointment was made there and then and a deposit paid, and Allan was very happy and excited.”
Then, after several months of research and preparation, Allan was happy with his design choice and booked his slot at Acreedo.
On the day itself, support worker Jade Harris accompanied Allan for support through his experience.
Jade says, “When I came on shift that day, Allan was extremely excited and a little nervous! But once he got into the room at the parlour, and sat on the chair to get ready to have it done, he was very happy and chatty the whole way through the process. He was extremely proud of himself and at the end, once the tattoo was finished, he didn’t stop smiling!
“I was very proud of Allan, and he was very brave,” she adds.
Allan is over the moon with his first tattoo and has already started talking about his next one.
He adds, “Getting the tattoo was good. I am very proud of it and I would like to get some more tattoos when this one heals. I was happy with the support I was given by Jade and I was very brave while having my tattoo. I am now a lot more confident and very happy with my tattoo.”
Sue concludes, “I feel that this was fully Allan’s choice, and we worked closely over time to make this wish come true. To see the smile on his face makes all the hard work worthwhile.
“I am here to support the people we support to live a full and active life and to help them achieve what they want, as it is their life and their choice. I am very proud to be part of their life.”
Notes to editors
For further information please email media.enquiries@hft.org.uk
About Hft
Proudly established in 1962 by a group of visionary parents, Hft is a charity supporting more than 2,500 learning disabled adults in England and Wales. Together, we are creating a future where learning disabled people and their families can live the best life possible.
Providing personalised support. Creating solutions for living independently. Coming together to campaign for positive change. Fundraising for new opportunities and a bigger impact.
In 2033, we’ll live in a world where learning disabled people have greater choice. About where they live. The support they need and want. And how to spend their time and money.
Learning disability versus difficulty
A learning disability is different from a learning difficulty but the terms are often confused and used inter-changeably. A learning difficulty does not affect general intellect, whereas a learning disability is a life-long condition characterised by a reduced intellectual ability and struggle with everyday activities.
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For more information about Hft please visit www.hft.org.uk
