Louisa, Silvana, Sam and Kirsty from Making Positive Moves all went to Day 1 of the Social History of Learning Disabilities conference at the Open University in Milton Keynes. We enjoyed going to a face-to-face conference and it was the first time all four of us had been together in person.
The day started with a keynote from Jan Walmsley and Nathaniel Lawford about the idea of community. Jan talked about community inclusion in 1700s and the move to institutions in the 1800s and 1900s. Some of this talk was quite emotional because of how people have been treated in the past. It is important that we don’t slip back down this route. Jan reflected that the ‘inclusion’ movement means that there must be some ‘exclusion’. Nathaniel spoke about what community means to him – belonging, courage and opportunity. During Covid-19, he spoke about how new communities were created BY people with learning disabilities, not for them, and how this needs to continue.
Building Bridges spoke to people about their experience of different communities. Most people like to be out and about, being around other people and doing the things they enjoy – it’s not rocket science! However, the lack of accessible information and support in ALL communities and places can make this harder, with an example of an online-only leisure centre timetable being talked about.
Hazel Morgan spoke about community for people with learning disabilities over the past 70 years, including the experience of her son, Pete. Shockingly, at his birth, a nurse said “you’re not going to reject him then?” Hazel told stories about the communities Pete and the family were part of, and how she has continued supporting people to be part of communities with the Foundation of People with Learning Disabilities and People First Dorset.
“Every community is full of stories” was a key message for us from Catherine de Haas’ talk about life with her daughter, Johanna. Through photos and stories from herself and others, community, friendship and belonging were clear. Catherine told us about her plans for her PhD on how community is experienced by people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities, which we look forward to hearing more about!
A group from the Oak Field Old Student Association spoke about their group for over 500 school-leavers which organises activities and trips. Importantly, it seems to be a key way of promoting and supporting friendships, and has clearly been a vibrant local community. They spoke about challenges of running such a big organisation, including raising enough money, keeping up-to-date contact details and gatekeepers particularly care providers.
Fionn Crombie Angus was introduced by his proud father, Jonathan, who highlighted Fionn’s many achievements. Fionn then spoke about his life growing up in rural Ireland, and then moving to Galway. We asked for Fionn’s tips about getting policymakers to listen and he told us to ‘be optimistic’ and Jonathan reminded us to ‘aim high’!
We spoke as part of a panel on Home and Community. Andy Power and Shalim Ali from the Feeling at Home team spoke about their project using photos and interviews to understand what it means to ‘feel at home’ in group homes. Some people’s homes had staff-only areas with signs saying keep out, which doesn’t feel very homely! Shalim spoke about the importance of getting to know neighbours. Jackie and Kate spoke about the dangers of institutionalisation creeping back into practice and why it is so important to involve service users. Kate has been on a board of directors and speaks out for others, but says previously, she wouldn’t say boo to a goose! With the rest of the panel, we answered questions about the importance of staff and how to make things better, including making sure staff have the right attitude, that they really get to know someone and that they are properly paid for their work.
If you went to the conference and wanted to share your own experiences of being there or if you would like to just get in touch anyway, please get in touch.
