Get started
You can start to make a difference in your community in small ways and, you never know, it might lead to something bigger.
A few thoughts to get you started...
Make contact with experienced people
Make contact with people who are experienced at mixed abilities socialising e.g. inclusive theatre and dance groups; SEN teachers and assistants in schools; people with learning disabilities who work or volunteer in your community; those who work as personal assistants. You can learn a lot from watching those who are already confident at mixing
Look for places
Look for places potentially attended by both people with and without learning disabilities e.g. arts or other community groups, places of worship. Is there good mixing between people of all abilities? If not, what could you do to encourage it?
Find some friends
Find some friends – with and without learning disabilities – and talk about what you would like to do socially together, e.g. bowling, arts and crafts, cooking, keep fit, martial arts. Get everyone involved in the planning – do it with not for each other
Start a regular activity
If you’d like to start a regular activity, how about finding a local café or other small venue where you can meet. If you’re visible to passers-by you might find others joining you – and in the meantime you’re showing what inclusion looks like
There will be barriers...
Lack of awareness
People don't realise the need or possibility
Vulnerability avoidance
People think it's not for them
Unpredictability
People don't know what to do
Lack of language
People don't know what to say
But they can be overcome
