Why Learning Disability Pride?

Thomas Haighton (Leader of Carrickfergus & District Senior Gateway) supported Gateway to attend Belfast’s Disability Pride Day in 2014. Although everyone had a fantastic time at the event, Thomas felt the main focus was on people with physical disabilities, and as a result, people with learning disabilities were under-represented on the day. There are over 33,000 people with a learning disability in Northern Ireland. He thought, ‘Why not focus on learning disability, and the fantastic contributions PWLD make to our society?’

Thomas submitted a funding bid to Big Lottery Fund last year, and succeeded in securing enough money to start making his vision into a reality. As a result, Learning Disability Pride was formed!

After extensive research, we learned this day will be the first of its kind in the UK. Thomas hopes other parts of the UK follow Northern Ireland and start their own Learning Disability Pride Days.

Thomas states “The ideal thing would be that this day is going to be a great success then become an annual event. We want to see thousands of people with learning disabilities turn up to support the occasion, along with carers, families and anyone who supports people with learning disabilities. They could show they are proud of them and their contributions to society.”

A local group of professionals working with people with learning disabilities have joined Thomas to help organise the event and shape it to be as Learning Disability friendly as possible, and ensure it is a success for years to come. Find out more about our team here.