Mencap calls for superheroes stories to celebrate Learning Disability Week

Learning disability charity Mencap is celebrating the achievements of people with learning disabilities and their families as part of their annual awareness campaign, Learning Disability Week.

The charity has asked people with a learning disability and their families to answer the question, ‘who is their real life super hero?’ by sharing stories of courage and strength which celebrate the achievements of people with a disability.

The annual campaign aims to combat the negative stereotypes associated with learning disabilities and educate people about the work that Mencap is doing to support people throughout the country.

Emma Harrison, from Mencap, said: “By sharing positive stories of achievement and celebrating the many super-heroes Mencap hears about every day, we want to fight the stigma and discrimination many people with a learning disability face.”

People have been sharing their stories through social media sites Twitter and Facebook, and the charity has called on guest bloggers to describe their real life super heroes.

Caroline White blogged about her her real life super hero - her husband Steve.

Mr and Mrs White’s son Seb has Down Syndrome and has become the first child with Down Syndrome to feature in a UK high street advertising campaign, when he appeared in Marks and Spencer’s Christmas advert last year.

Mrs White described the importance that her husband has had in their family’s happiness, and said: “If you asked either of my boys to name their super-hero, the answer is guaranteed to be either Buzz Lightyear or Spiderman. Although deep down I suspect their real superhero is the same as mine. Their Dad.

“My husband Simon has never batted an eyelid about Seb’s condition and in those early, tough days, made ‘different’ normal. Seb is an equal and valued member of our little family and Simon has always made sure he is treated that way. I wouldn’t swap our family for the world.”

Events and further celebrations have been organised throughout the country by Mencap and can be followed on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Mencap