This Learning Disability Week, we’re celebrating what happens when people are truly seen, heard and valued for who they are.
A musician. A colleague. A friend. A brother. A neighbour.
Because when learning disabled people are recognised for their strengths, ambitions and individuality, opportunities open up and lives can change.
Join us this Learning Disability Week and help create a future where every learning disabled person can live the life they choose.
Supporting people into work
82% of learning disabled people want to work. Despite this, 300,000 learning disabled adults are out of work. That’s equivalent to the population of cities such as Salford, Wolverhampton or Southampton.
But, as our Chief Operating Officer, Becky Speight says: “This situation can be reversed. That’s why, this Learning Disability Week, we are calling upon UK employers to make a simple pledge: to give a learning disabled adult a chance.”
If you’re a UK employer who’d like to support a learning disabled person, simply email: media.enquiries@hft.org.uk with your name, company and contact details and we will set up a conversation with our Support Employment team.
Our Learning Disability Week appeal
Every year, Learning Disability Week shines a light on the experiences, achievements and hopes of learning disabled people across the UK.
This year’s theme, ‘Do You See Me?’, asks a simple but powerful question. Do you see a label? Or do you see the whole person?
For too many learning disabled people, being overlooked is still part of everyday life. Opportunities are missed, assumptions are made, and voices can go unheard. But when someone is truly seen, everything changes.
At Hft, we see every day what becomes possible when learning disabled people have the right support. This Learning Disability Week, we’re celebrating the identities, talents and achievements of learning disabled people, while raising vital funds to ensure more people can access the support they need to thrive. Because everyone deserves to be seen, heard and valued.
Meet Thomas
Before joining Hft’s Supported Employment programme, Thomas wanted to work but struggled to find opportunities. He lacked confidence and worried that employers would only see his learning disability, rather than the person he really is.
With support from Hft, Thomas learnt how to write a CV, prepare for interviews, build workplace skills and grow in confidence.
Today, Thomas has been in paid employment for more than a year. He’s a valued member of his team, takes pride in his work and enjoys the independence that comes with earning his own money.
As Thomas puts it:
Thomas’s journey shows what can happen when someone is given the opportunity to be seen for their potential, not their limitations. But Thomas’ story is still far too rare.
Around 86% of learning disabled people who are not currently working say they want a paid job, yet only around 29% are in employment.
That’s why our Supported Employment programmes are so important. They help learning disabled people build confidence, gain skills, find work and achieve greater independence.
This Learning Disability Week, your donation could help more people access the support they need to build brighter futures.
How your donation helps
A gift today, big or small, could:
£25
provide essential work equipment, such as safety boots, helping a learning disabled adult feel ready for employment.
£65
provide interview clothes, helping a learning disabled adult walk into an interview with confidence and pride.
£140
provide a basic tablet and internet access so a learning disabled adult can search and apply for jobs online.
£220
fund additional training and qualifications that improve a learning disabled adult’s employment opportunities and independence.
Every pound helps to make sure learning disabled adults like Thomas are seen, heard and valued.
Make a difference today
Your support empowers people like Thomas to find meaningful work.
Every donation will help learning disabled adults gain the practical support, confidence and opportunities they deserve and earn for themselves.
Together, we can enable learning disabled adults to be seen, heard, and supported to fulfil their dreams and ambitions.