Celebrating Learning Disability Awareness Week at Alabaré
This week marks Learning Disability Awareness Week (16 to 22 June) and at Alabaré, we’re keen to showcase the ways we’re supporting people to live as independently as possible.
1.5 million people live with a learning disability in the UK, with the theme of 2025’s Learning Disability Awareness Week – ‘Do You See Me?’
Alabaré has supported living homes across South Wiltshire, where clients live either on their own, or in shared housing, with the help of a dedicated team of employees and volunteers.
The service was rated as ‘Good’ by inspectors from the Care Quality Commission earlier this year, with praise for our efforts to provide clients with learning disabilities with choice and flexibility over the support they’re given.
Just over a quarter (26.7%) of adults with a learning disability are in paid work, although 86% of them would like to be in employment.
Alabaré is helping make that aspiration more achievable. Our two Development Centres, in Barford St Martin and Old Sarum, offer hands-on activities and training courses that boost client’s skills, confidence and employability prospects.
JP’s Story
JP previously lived with his elderly mother and attended a day placement a couple of times a week.
As his mother was struggling with mobility, that was having a big impact on their relationship, with JP becoming aggressive towards her at times.
The Alabaré team met him at a day placement and spoke about one of the charity’s supported living homes, thinking JP would be a good match for the other residents there.
Initial visits went well, and he was happy and excited about the prospect of moving in, although JP seemed to be struggling with the stairs – choosing to go up on his hands and knees, and down by shuffling on his bottom.
After some chats about why this might be, it was discovered the open nature of the staircase was disorientating for JP, due to his disability and eyesight.
Colleagues made adjustments, putting up boards to block off the open side of the stairs, and ensure JP felt more comfortable.
After going up and down the stairs a few times on his feet, he grew more confident and impressed with himself, saying ‘got it in my head now’.
Just small changes, according to JP’s individual needs, have eased him into his new home, where he has since made great friends and successfully embraced all the activities.
Shifting mindsets to drive real, lasting change
Georgina Hackett is the Head of Learning Disability Services and Development Centres at Alabaré and said:
“I am deeply passionate about breaking down the barriers that limit the opportunities and potential of individuals with a learning disability. I believe that everyone has something valuable to offer, and part of my role is to ensure that society sees and embraces that.
“I enjoy working with clients with a learning disability because they constantly challenge social assumptions. Their resilience, creativity, and individuality inspire me daily. I see beyond labels — I see people with talents, dreams, and the ability to make meaningful contributions when given the right support and respect.
“My goal is to lead services that don’t just meet needs, but open doors to employment, education, relationships, and community life. Every breakthrough, no matter how small it may seem, reinforces my commitment. Whether it’s a client gaining independence, forming new connections, or achieving a personal milestone, those moments remind me why I do what I do.
“Ultimately, during Learning Disability Awareness Week and beyond, I’m here to help shift mindsets and drive real, lasting change.”