Introduction

For the next two weeks we are sharing information and blog posts focusing on the lives of people with learning disabilities. People share their stories, their views, and their ambitions for living their best life in Stoke-on-Trent.

People with learning disabilities are not always included in community life. Speaking up (advocacy) helps to support, protect, and demand equal rights for everyone. People with learning disabilities are creative and proud.

During Learning Disability Week 2021 (14th to 20th June) #LearningDisabilityWeek2021 or #LDWeek21 we are pleased to share the views and ambitions of people with learning disabilities in Stoke-on-Trent.

During Learning Disability Pride (19th – 26th June) #LearningDisabilityPride or #LDPride we are very proud to share the voices of people with learning disabilities in Stoke-on-Trent.

you can find out more here www.learningdisabilitypride.org.uk

Week One: Living My Best Life

This week, Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Stoke-on-Trent Clinical Commissioning Group launch ‘Living My Best Life’, an exciting new strategy, co-produced with people with learning disabilities, families and carers.

Living My Best Life is based around achieving five outcomes, all of which came from conversations with adults with learning disabilities. The strategy’s vision is that people with learning disabilities will be able to say “I feel safe. I am healthy. I achieve my goals. I love where I live. I enjoy my life.”

You can download ‘Living My Best Life’ here: https://www.stoke.gov.uk/downloads/download/891/learning_disabilities_strategy

You can also download a Clear Information or ‘Easy Read’ summary (a shorter look at the main points and ideas) of ‘Living My Best Life’ by clicking the download button below:

Each day this week, as part of the launch, Reach, an independent self-advocacy project and part of Asist (Advocacy Services in Staffordshire) are writing a blog about one of these five outcomes, using ideas and experiences people have shared as part of the strategy development work, and in other discussions over the years.

Here’s links to all 5 blogs: