Do you remember your first…?
For Learning Disability Week 2014 (June 16-22), Mencap asked us to celebrate people overcoming adversity, and people’s prejudice and ignorance to experience their incredible firsts. Thousands showed their support by sharing your stories using the hashtag #LDWeek14.
When we are children we all start out imagining that we will have the same special firsts – because we all want the same things from life. Love. Acceptance. To feel valued and free. We want people with a learning disability to have the same opportunities from their childhood and throughout every stage of their adult lives – and the same life-changing firsts as everyone else.
Each day Mencap asked people to share their amazing first-time stories and experiences across the seven themes below. Seb and his gorgeous friend Millie were asked to model out each subject.
Every story shared was proof that all of us can have the same remarkable firsts throughout our lives, and that it’s our experiences that define us, not our disability.
Your first day at school – Monday
Starting school is an exciting time, but also a nervous one too. Share your stories about your first day at school.
Your first love – Tuesday
The butterflies in the stomach moment tells you it must be special. Share your stories about when you met your first love.
Your first time voting – Thursday
Your first experience at the ballot box is the beginning of a lifetime of having a say in the decisions affecting your life.
Your first home – Friday
Picking up the keys to your first home is a landmark moment. Read about how people with a learning disability are living independently.
Your first time as a parent – Saturday
Becoming a parent is a joyous moment, marking the time when you’re no longer responsible for just yourself.
Your first grey hair – Sunday
Grey hair is just one sign of getting older, and if you have a learning disability you may start thinking about the challenges and adventures of later life.
Force of Nature 