Learning Disability Week is celebrated annually in the third week of June, and aims to educate, spread awareness, and increase understanding of learning disabilities.
The theme for Learning Disability Week this year is “Do you see me?” and additionally through the week asking: Do you understand me? Will you work with me? Do you hear me? Do you include me? Will you support me?
SJOG has a long history and vast experience in working with people with disabilities – learning disabilities, physical disabilities, autism and complex needs. Providing high quality services, we aim to support people to live how and where they choose, with expert care and support provided by experts in their fields.
People we serve are central to how we shape services and how people receive their support. In 2020 we established an Advisory Council to better hear their voices and the group have been involved in a number of initiatives including recruitment and policy-making. Last year the Council were integral in creating the ‘People’s Charter’ consisting of 12 standards developed by and for the people we support.
1. You must be happy to work with me and smile
2. Understand me and my needs
3. Respect me and my belongings
4. Support my privacy
5. Take time to get to know me
6. You must have a good sense of humour and be patient
7. Don’t bring problems to work – bring solutions!
8. Listen and value everyone
9. Less paperwork and more time with me
10. Ask if I am ok – I will let you know
11. Understand my health needs
12. Advocate with me, not for me
This charter has been embedded into our recruitment and induction processes and is now part of quality auditing across our services.
Ken lives at the Minims in Hatfield tells us why being part of this group is important to him. “I like speaking on behalf of everyone at the Minims. I am their voice. It’s an important job and I take it very seriously.”
Follow us this week on our social media pages: www.facebook.com/SJOG-