Learning Disability Week 2026: Do You See Me? 

Learning Disability Week 2026 takes place from Monday 15 June to Sunday 21 June. Organised by Mencap’s Learning Disability Week campaign, the week is dedicated to ensuring the world hears what life is really like for people with a learning disability and celebrating the valuable contributions they make to society. 

This year’s theme, “Do you see me?”, is a powerful call to action. It challenges all of us to ensure that people with a learning disability are seen, heard, included, and valued in every aspect of life, from education and employment to healthcare and community participation.  

Why Learning Disability Week Matters 

Despite progress, people with a learning disability continue to face significant barriers: 

• Only 26.7% of adults with a learning disability are employed, despite 86% of unemployed people with a learning disability wanting a paid job.  

• One in three people with a learning disability spend less than one hour outside their home on a typical Saturday.  

• Over 2,000 people with a learning disability and/or autistic people are currently detained in mental health hospitals. 

• People with a learning disability continue to experience significant health inequalities and often die much younger than the general population.  

These figures highlight why awareness, education, and inclusive support are important. 

The Role of Care Professionals 

Health and social care professionals play a vital role in helping people with learning disabilities live fulfilling, independent lives. 

Providing high-quality support means understanding: 

• What a learning disability is 

• How it affects communication and understanding 

• The importance of person-centred care 

• How to promote independence, choice and dignity 

• The reasonable adjustments that help people access services equally 

By increasing awareness and developing specialist skills, care professionals can help remove barriers and improve outcomes for people with learning disabilities. 

Build Your Knowledge with CareTutor 

At CareTutor, we’re committed to supporting health and social care providers with high-quality training that makes a real difference. 

If you’re a care provider, our Supporting People with Learning Disabilities eLearning Course is an effective way to educate your staff and strengthen their understanding of learning disabilities. The course provides practical knowledge and guidance to help carers and support workers deliver compassionate, person-centred care, promote independence, and support individuals to achieve positive outcomes. 

👉 Learn more about the course for your organisation.

If you’re an individual looking to develop your skills, improve your knowledge, or progress your career in health and social care, you can purchase the course directly through the CareTutor Shop. 

👉 Purchase the course as an individual.

The course is ideal for: 

• Care workers 

• Support workers 

• Healthcare assistants 

• Personal assistants 

• Anyone supporting individuals with learning disabilities 

How You Can Get Involved 

Mencap encourages everyone to take part in Learning Disability Week by: 

• Celebrating the achievements of people with learning disabilities in your community 

• Raising awareness on social media 

• Downloading and sharing Learning Disability Week resources 

• Supporting campaigns that challenge inequality and discrimination 

• Donating to Mencap or visiting a Mencap charity shop 

• Taking part in activities such as One Big Walk, which aims to raise awareness for the 1.5 million people in the UK with a learning disability.  

You can find resources and information on how to get involved on the official Mencap page: Learning Disability Week 2026 – Mencap. 

Seeing the Person, Not the Label 

The message behind “Do you see me?” is simple but powerful. People with learning disabilities want the same opportunities as everyone else: to work, form relationships, contribute to their communities, make choices and live independently where possible. 

Learning Disability Week is an opportunity to challenge assumptions, celebrate achievements and commit to creating a more inclusive society, one where everyone is truly seen, heard and valued.  

From safeguarding and dementia care to medication management and person-centred care, CareTutor offers training on a wide range of topics vital to health and social care settings. Contact us to find the right learning solution for your organisation.