National Learning Disabilities Week 2009 took place from 22 to 28 June. The theme this year was ‘Changing Places, Changing Lives’ and the focus was on the campaign for Changing Places toilets in public buildings.
Changing Places are accessible toilet facilities which make it possible for people with profound and multiple learning disabilities and their families to access facilities in the city. We wanted to celebrate Sheffield’s success in opening many Changing Places over the last few years and to show everyone the opportunities which are available to people with profound disabilities when the right support and facilities are in place.
The Joint Learning Disabilities Service sponsored a huge range of activities throughout Learning Disabilities Week, in partnership with Pond's Forge International Sports Centre. An exhibition of art work produced by people in Sheffield who have a learning disability was displayed in the main reception area from Monday to Friday.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, the sports hall at Ponds Forge was full of people trying out a wide range of team and individual sports, including archery, laser shooting, tag rugby, kwik cricket and boccia. There were opportunities to join in accessible gym and yoga sessions and Sheffield Tigers Rugby Club, Norton and Woodseats Cricket club, and some willing volunteers very generously gave up their time to come along.
On Wednesday we were also joined by Uriah Rennie from the Disability Sports Federation and Stephen Miller, one of the UK’s most successful Paralympic athletes. Stephen spent the day with us was so impressed with the facilities that he has kindly agreed to support the Changing Places campaign.
Thursday was a day of arts dance and many talented performers from Sheffield Mencap, In the Boat, Red Tape, Sooper Troopers, Under the Stars and Bollywood dancer Nisha Hall, kept us entertained with a variety of music, drama and dance performances.
On Friday we held a ceremony to showcase the mobile changing facility has been purchased for the city. It was attended by the Lord Mayor, Councillors Gail Smith and Steve Ayris, Senior Officers from both the Council and Care Trust, and MP’s David Blunkett and Clive Betts who have supported the campaign from the start.
The week ended on a high note, with an Under the Stars clubbing event which went on until 11pm. It was a fantastic week and lots of fun for everyone who came along!
Want to find out what's happening during Learning Disabilities Week 2010?