Learning Disability Pride celebrates the achievements and contributions of those with learning disabilities. As we look ahead to Learning Disability Pride 2025, which takes place on Saturday, June 21st, in Carrickfergus, we spoke to Lynsey McClelland of Karuna Residential Care Homes to hear about just how much Learning Disability Pride means for the community. 

Lynsey started working in the learning disability sector over 20 years ago, at the age of 17. Having been based in Carrickfergus since then, she has witnessed how perceptions have changed towards those with learning disabilities, thanks to the efforts within the community. 

“When I started, I had no experience and had never even met anyone who had a learning disability, but by the end of my first day I knew this was exactly what I wanted to do,” she said. “While service users appeared happy and well cared for there wasn't much input from individuals themselves about their care and support, or how they would like to live their lives. For example, social outings would have been decided by staff, depending on resources and staffing levels, then everyone would usually go out in large groups.  Quite often, people in the public would make unkind comments under their breath, give funny looks, or sometimes even cross to the other side of the street.  I really believe this was nothing personal and more to do with a lack of awareness and understanding.” 

Despite these perceptions, Lynsey has said things have changed dramatically since she first started working in Karuna Care Homes. 

“Over the years, it has been amazing to see how things have changed and that people with a learning disability have so much more autonomy.  The people we work with are supported to make decisions for themselves rather than someone deciding for them, they are listened to, and their feelings and opinions are valued.   

“Compared to how it was before, now it is more likely that people will cross the street to say hello and have a chat. People with learning disabilities are no longer hidden away, they are active members of their local communities with a sense of purpose, just like anyone else. "Normal" things such as shopping, using public transport, eating out, attending shows or concerts may still present barriers and need extra planning for people with learning disabilities; however, they are much more accessible than before. We also find that most businesses and people are willing to make adjustments where they can accommodate the needs of the people we support.”

Lynsey said that increased awareness, community efforts, extensive research, and better services have all helped bring about these positive changes.

“Numerous organisations, such as Cedar, provide tailored person-centred services for people with a learning disability and their families.  They’re out there raising the profile, raising awareness, and providing information and training to businesses to help them become more inclusive.  There has been extensive research carried out and there is now so much more information out there to educate people.   

“Added to that, community events have become more inclusive, giving people with learning disabilities an opportunity to attend and be seen - in my experience this has led to positive connections and meaningful friendships for some.”

Lynsey said that while there have been so many positive changes and opportunities, there is always more progress to be made. However, events like Learning Disability Pride are an important market of just how far we have all come.

“Learning Disability Pride is a celebration and advocacy event that raises awareness about the rights, contributions, and achievements of people with learning disabilities,” Lynsey explained. “The event creates a positive and inclusive space where people with learning disabilities, their families, and supporters can come together to highlight issues of equality, accessibility, and inclusion. 

“The aim of Learning Disability Pride is to break down societal barriers and challenge stigmas. It promotes the message that people with learning disabilities deserve to be treated as equal members of society, with the same opportunities and rights as everyone else.  The positivity that surrounds Learning Disability Pride, the pride and excitement of the participants and the support of the local community is what makes it such a overwhelmingly emotional and important day for all involved.”