Learning Disability Week 2024 is an annual celebration of people with learning disabilities organised by the learning disability charity Mencap, It’s held during the third week of June, from Monday the 17 to Sunday the 23.

This year’s theme is, “Do you see me?”, which centres on the importance of being seen, heard, and valued. It highlights the need to share the experiences of those with learning disabilities with the world to challenge the barriers they face. 

The topics Mencap encourage you to talk about each day during Learning Disability Week are: 

• Monday 17 June: “Do you see me?”
• Tuesday 18 June: “Do you understand me?”
• Wednesday 19 June: “Will you work with me?”
• Thursday 20 June: “Do you hear me?”
• Friday 21 June: “Do you include me?”
• Saturday 22 June: “Will you support me?”
• Sunday 23 June: A summary of the week.

At Werk Magazine, we want to raise awareness for Learning Disability Week and shine a spotlight on the struggles people with learning disabilities face when it comes to employment. 

According to the 2024 Mencap Manifesto, only 26.7% of adults with a learning disability are employed yet 86% of unemployed people with a learning disability want a paid job.

Throughout the next few weeks, we will hear from the organiser of Learning Disability Week at Mencap and also from people around the UK who have learning disabilities to see how they have experienced the working world.