Government action
“I want the proper re-appointment of a disability minister in Government – not a downgraded role” – Niall Guite
“I would really like to see an end to the awful treatment that far too many learning disabled, and autistic people suffer locked away in institutions. There is too much unnecessary medication and inhumane treatment simply for having a learning disability or being autistic. People are taken from their homes, family and everything they know sometimes for years and years” – Jemma Clancy
“I would like to see people with learning disabilities and autism being supported and empowered to play an active role in their communities, from community activities to businesses and local and national government” – Jonathan Andrews
Opportunities to be heard
“There should be more opportunities to challenge government decisions as young people” – Elliot Garcia
“My mum is part of a strategic coproduction group using lived experience to help make decisions with important people and write policies. I would like to be a part of a group like this, where people like myself can have a say on what matters to us” – JamesWalker
Greater representation in media and society
“I want to see more representation of people with learning disabilities and autism on radio, TV, and in films” – Elliot Garcia
“We need greater awareness of the real and diverse lives of people with learning disabilities and autism, and dispelling the myths about these conditions” – Jonathan Andrews
Greater inclusion in sports
“Better representation in football for people with autism at all levels of the game. This includes playing, coaching and in the media where we still see a lack of representation” – Stephen Lewis
“I am a member of the Athlete Leadership team for Special Olympics Europe Eurasia and help to positively change the decisions made by Special Olympics for the good of the athletes. I would like to see this happen with all sports governing bodies, so that the voices of people with learning disabilities are listened to” – Niall Guite
Reasonable adjustments in the transport system
“If we wish to travel by train it has to be booked in advance for disability assistance, such as the ramp to get onto the train. This means we can never be spontaneous and just jump on a train” – James Walker
Reasonable adjustments in the healthcare system
“Medical letters should be sent in easy read format. If I spoke a different language, it would be done” – James Walker
“People with complex needs and learning disabilities wait a lot longer for mainstream medical tests than someone without disabilities” – James Walker
“Learning disability nurses to be working on shifts, so that whenever I am admitted to hospital the support is there regardless of time of day/night or bank holidays. We do not just get ill during office hours” – James Walker
Not-for-profit Dimensions has recently opened nominations for its 2024 Leaders’ List, the UK’s first national awards which recognise people with learning disabilities and/or autism who are challenging stereotypes and making communities better for themselves and others.
Inspirational past winners have united to publish a list of changes they want to see in 2024 to raise awareness of these important issues and to encourage people to nominate for this year’s List.
If you’d like to nominate yourself or someone you admire, please click here https://dimensions-uk.org/dimensions-campaigns/meet-leaders-list-award-winners/find-out-more/enter-leaders-list/
