This year’s theme is “Do you see me?”. It focuses on making sure people with a learning disability are seen, heard and valued.
KCC works with people across Kent to listen to their experiences and use their views to shape Adult Social Care services. The council supports people to be involved in decisions about the care and support they receive.
Many people with learning disabilities are part of the KCC Learning Disability Partnership Board. They share their ideas and experiences to help improve services and support others to live full and independent lives.
Do you see me? is the theme of Learning Disability Week 2026
Steve Chapman, Co-chair of the Learning Disability Partnership Board, said:
“When I left school, if someone told me that I would be working at the heart of the NHS and Kent County Council, or that I'd be an advocate, I wouldn’t have believed it as I couldn’t see that in my future. I didn’t plan to be an advocate, I went along to do a course, but this work found me. I brought leadership skills to Kent and Medway as a person with lived experience, to make sure there are different voices around the table.
“I started getting involved through the Kent District Partnership group where I learned about the Kent Learning Disability Partnership Board around 20 years ago. I’m also the Learning Disability England representative, where I have attended Inclusion International and Inclusion Europe meetings. When I attended the board, I worked with the commissioners and other colleagues at Kent County Council and became co-chair of the group where we continue to work together and share ideas to make people’s lives better in Kent. I have also worked with bemix for 24 years as a self-advocate where I have been involved with many campaigns and working with people to find them purposeful roles within their community.”
“Learning Disability Week is a great chance to recognise the valuable contribution people with learning disabilities make in our communities.”
Georgia Foster, KCC Cabinet member for Adult Social Care, said: “Learning Disability Week is a great chance to recognise the valuable contribution people with learning disabilities make in our communities. It is also a reminder that more needs to be done to make sure people are truly listened to and included.
"Everyone deserves to be treated with respect and to have the same opportunities as anyone else – whether that’s finding work, building relationships or taking part in community life. I welcome the work taking place in Kent to break down barriers, challenge stigma and help people with learning disabilities live full, independent and meaningful lives.”
As part of the week, KCC is encouraging people to get involved:
- An art exhibition called “Do you see me?” is open to everyone at County Hall, Maidstone (running until Friday 3 July), showing work by people with learning disabilities. Visit The Gallery, Sessions House, County Hall, County Road, Maidstone ME14 1XQ
- The Learning Disability Partnership Board, where people help shape services (email: makingadifference@kent.gov.uk or call 03000 419874)
- Co-production groups through the Partnership for Neurodiversity, where people share their views to improve services
- Ongoing work through the Kent and Medway Learning Disability and Autism Strategy
KCC also works with the NHS and local councils through the Partnership for Neurodiversity to make sure people’s voices are heard and acted on.
