Learning Disability Wales is a national charity representing the learning disability sector in Wales. We want Wales to be the best country in the world for people with a learning disability to live, learn and work.
We work with people with a learning disability and their families, Welsh government, local authorities, disabled people’s organisations and the voluntary sector so we can create a better Wales for all people with a learning disability.
We provide an information service for people with a learning disability, families, carers and professionals.
We offer training and events to raise awareness, improve skills, share good practice and highlight the issues faced by people with a learning disability across Wales.
Our policy work ensures that the voices of people with a learning disability, their families and those who support them are heard and responded to.
We also manage a range of projects and networks that offer support in specific areas and a chance to share knowledge, experience and good practice.
Our supported employment project Engage to Change is working in partnership across Wales to support young people aged 16-25 who have a learning difficulty, learning disability and/or autism to achieve their full potential.
Gig Buddies Cymru is a befriending scheme that matches people with a learning disability with a volunteer who shares the same interests, so they can go to gigs and events together. With few events taking place during the pandemic, the need for friendship and social contact is more important than ever.
Throughout the pandemic we have worked hard to ensure that people with a learning disability and those who support them have access to good quality accessible information. We set up a new section on our website to share resources about the pandemic, including easy read information on how to stay connected and look after your mental health. We also made sure that the experiences of people with a learning disability during the pandemic have been captured and shared with policy makers.
We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Welsh Youth Parliament again supporting 2 young people to take part and have their voices heard. Being a Member of the Welsh Youth Parliament gives young disabled people the opportunity to develop their skills, grow their confidence, share their experiences and provide a voice for other disabled young people.