Working to build an inclusive society

Don't Dis our Ability logo

About us

People around a tableWe first got together in October 2001 as a group meeting once every few weeks to talk about our ideas about how we would like our support staff to work with us. After getting together we decided that we had lots of things we wanted to tell staff, services, managers and other people like supermarket staff, GP's and people we meet every day who treat us differently because we have a learning difficulty.

Two women doing a presentationAt the end of 2001 we decided we would like to be part of a course, and learn the skills needed to train other people. In 2002 we started meeting every week with Bev Liver and John Alderson, who enabled us to learn and practice those skills. We have been part of the Person Centred Planning Training and Disability Awareness in the Lancaster area since 2002.

Two women writing on a flipchartThrough the coming years we have developed training for: NIACE,  Lancashire County council, Lancaster University staff and students, carer groups, Lancashire Adult learning, and the University of Cumbria, as well as doing consultancy work with NHS staff and Universities.

Woman doing a computer presentationWe have also worked with Psychologists on various specialised training development.

Chairs in meeting hallWe have worked across Lancashire and Cumbria, as well as leading workshops in London at a national NIACE conference.

WorkplaceIn August 2013 we set up as a social enterprise.

Leaflet

Learning Together leaflet and link to PDF version You can download a leaflet about our work (PDF, 326kb)

Meet the Trainers

Bev portrait

Beverley - Director, co-ordinator, presentation development and training

I have taught in adult education since 1995. I’m passionate about equality, inclusion and ABILITY awareness.

“Learning Together” enables us all to share our skills and knowledge and break down barriers to inclusion.

Brian portrait

Brian - i think training others by sharing our lived experiences is powerful!

Being part of the selections process for the clinical psychologist programme at Lancaster university is important to me too. i feel part of the team choosing the trainees for the next term.

Mark portrait

Mark - I enjoy going to ComiCon's and meeting actors from Doctor Who.

I really think it's important to meet and work with the new clinical psychology trainees from selections onwards. it can make a difference to their learning and career in the future, and make them the best they can be!

Ruth portrait

Ruth - presentation development and training

I like to do volunteer work for charities and I am a volunteer support for three different dementia groups.

I am loving being part of the team, not just doing training, we support each other too.

Learning how to do presentations has built my self-esteem.

Gillian portrait

Philip - presentation development and training

I joined the team in 2011, I had no experience in training. I used to stay at home a lot. I have made new friends and have joined a cinema club, singing group and started playing pool for the MENCAP England team! The training is helping me build my confidence asking and answering questions. I’m looking forward to having more roles in the business.

Gillian portrait

Gillian - I used to be very nervous talking in front of people.

But now I enjoy my time at Liverpool and Lancaster Universities sharing my stories and working with them on different subjects in training.