(un)Ordinary Conference videos

Stay Up Late’s (un)Ordinary Conference in March 2019 was a learning disabilities conference with a difference. While the audience were largely social care professionals everyone speaking had a learning disability or autism.

These videos are some of the guest speakers who shared their stories of how, with the right support, they are able to lead ‘ordinary’ lives.

Fiifi Tetteh

How relationships are important to me and my family

Fiifi, talks about how relationships are important. Two years ago his mum died, but he had not visited her grave. His support workers supported him to go to his mum’s grave for the first time – where they tidied up the grave and he had a chance to speak to my mum. After this he spoke to his dad and they have become very close.

Simon Richards

Working and volunteering in regular mainstream places

Simon, has Asperger’s Syndrome. He regularly goes to local events in or near Cardiff including open mic nights and karaoke. He’s part of a drama group Odyssey and is chairperson of Cardiff People First, a self-advocacy charity for people with learning disabilities.

In the past 10 years he has gone from being a person who mostly stayed in to a person who is often out and about, either at a karaoke or open mic night or at the Odyssey rehearsing for their next show. Simon tells his story here.

Philip Dyer

A change in support staff meant we could finally get married

Phillip, met Alison at a day service they both attended and they a couple in 2005. They always wanted to marry but no one really took them seriously. It was only with a change in support staff that things started to happen.

They married in 2014 and have lived independently together ever since.

Scott Watkin & Grace McGill

I arranged at work placement at the Bank of England

As a person with a learning disability Scott has been able to make sure people’s voices are heard locally and nationally, with roles at the Learning Disability Partnership Board, the Department of Health and Mencap. He subsequently went to SeeAbility as an Eye Care and Vision Development Officer and as a Senior Learning Disability Advisor.

In January 2019 he started a new role in SeeAbility as Head of Engagement. He has been able to support Grace to go on placement at the Bank of England where they delivered learning disability awareness training. Scott and Grace tell their stories here.

Emily Shanahan

Getting support helps me do my volunteering work

Emily, has autism, Elhers Danlos syndrome and dyspraxia and is also a part time wheelchair user. Before receiving support, she used to be lonely and didn’t have many friends. But since receiving she’s a rainbow leader, part of a cheerleading team and attends a weekly disco where she’s been able to make new friends.

Having support has just given her more confidence which has had a positive impact on her whole life.

The (un)Ordinary Conference highlights

The highlights from the (un)Ordinary Conference

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