You see me? – Learning Disability Awareness Week

Learning Disability Awareness Week is 17 – 23 June 2024. This year’s theme, ‘See Me? ‘ means to be seen, heard and appreciated. Being valued means that people with learning disabilities are listened to and respected. Learning Disability Week is a time to celebrate what people with learning disabilities do and challenge barriers face.

Skills for work

Lambeth hosted a traineeship review day supported by the SEARCH project, which brought together partners such as Lambeth Council’s Skills & Employment and SEND Teams, companies offering traineeships in Lambeth such as NHS England and King’s College Hospital, and employment providers Kaleidoscope and Unity Works. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) was there to answer parents’ and carers’ questions about benefits and explain the support families can get.

Supported internships

Project SEARCH is an international program for people aged 18-24 with learning disabilities and autism to gain work experience. Supported Placements are work-based study programs for young people aged 16 to 24 who have an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and want to work. These programs help young people to transition from an educational environment to the workplace with the support of a Job coach and Mentor (employer).

The event highlighted:

• Assessment process: understanding people’s skills and support needs, ensuring they participate in programs that support them to flourish, gain knowledge and prepare for permanent paid work.
• Peer interaction: Current trainees – including young people who have worked at King’s College Hospital – shared their experiences and answered questions, providing valuable information and real-life insights for future trainees.

Sarah Hamilton from the charity DFN said: “What’s amazing today is seeing different businesses coming together, young people learning more about the different jobs available and everyone just doing incredibly well. I can’t wait for the next session.”

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