OPENING UP NEW WORLDS - LEARNING DISABILITY WEEK

1.5 million people in the UK have a learning disability, which affects intellectual and social development throughout their lives. Yet many of the general public are unclear about the term learning disability.

Under the theme Opening up New Worlds, Mencap aims to raise awareness of what it means to have a learning disability. It also aims to show how, given the right support and opportunities, people with a learning disability can broaden their horizons and achieve a lot in life.

Highlights in the run-up to, and during, the week include:

• Dive: 24 A sponsored scuba-diving event across the UK on 18-19 June.
• Snap! 2005 Photographs showcasing the artistic talents of people with a learning disability – on display at the V&A London during the week.
• In the frame A learning disability arts conference at the Tate Modern on 20 June.

Regional events will take place up and down the country to mark this important week, highlighting the theme of opportunity.

Ends


* Mencap works with people with a learning disability and their families and carers, fighting to end discrimination and prejudice, and providing a wide range of quality services.
* There are around 1.5 million people with a learning disability in the UK.
* Learning disabilities have many different causes but are always lifelong. A learning disability can affect someone’s life in many ways, causing difficulties in learning, communicating or doing everyday things. A learning disability does not prevent someone from learning and achieving a lot in life, if given the right support.
* For information about learning disability issues please call the Learning Disability Helpline (England) on 0808 808 1111 or visit www.askmencap.info
* For online press information go to www.mencap.org.uk/press