Welcome to Our Learning Disabilities Blog
Our Learning Disabilities Blog is inspired by our experiences supporting young people with learning disabilities as a mum, an auntie and a teacher.
Hi, I’m Helen,
I’m mum to two boys. I say boys though they are both in their 20s so they are young adults, but to me they’ll always be my boys. James was born with Wolf Hirschhorn Syndrome and he has Autism too. It was totally unexpected as my pregnancy had been normal so I’ve been on a learning curve for 25 years now discovering the difficulties, but also the precious moments, that life with someone who faces extra challenges brings. Before I had my boys I had a career in social care but nothing could have prepared me for my future. Anything I did feel I knew was turned on its head completely having the emotional attachment that you do as a new mum. I am very lucky to have had a supportive husband, parents and my sister, Joan, who have been there for me when things have been tough. And I can’t not mention Harry who always seemed to know when mum needed a hug. I’ve spent 22 years as a full time mum and as hard as that has been I wouldn’t have changed it for the world. Throughout that time I’ve learnt an awful lot about myself, the highs the lows and how to manage them. Along the way I have fought to give James the best quality of life I could. In Our Learning Disabilities Blog I will be sharing those experiences: whether it was managing the transition process when he left school, applying for benefits or a blue badge, or more recently him moving into supported accommodation and all the things in between.
Hi, I’m Joan,
I’m auntie to James and a teacher who worked in special education for over 20 years (I have recently taken a support role in a school – a work/life balance decision). For 13 of those 20+ years I worked with young adults in post 16 provisions. I lost count of the hours I spent over those years searching the internet for just the right thing that I could do with my students that was accessible but reflected the fact that they were young adults. I was constantly on the lookout for new ideas and activities which promoted independence, participation and achievement. I was always really grateful for the ideas and resources that I found which people were kind enough to share. Our learning Disabilities Blog is a chance for me to share my ideas and experience, and perhaps inspire someone else.
Our Learning Disabilities Blog brings together tips and suggestions from our own experience, product reviews, and a range of ideas for activities and gifts for adults with learning disabilities. It is inspired by James and the many other young people with learning disabilities that we have met over the years. If there is anything you would like to see included please do contact us. We hope Our Learning Disabilities Blog inspires you.