Lessons I Didn’t Expect: What People with a Learning Disability Have Taught Me
Author: Grace Kwao
Continuing the Conversation
Part of the Estia Centre's Learning Together 2026 blog series, featuring articles from conference speakers and contributors.
Learning Through Experience
As a trainee Clinical Psychologist working in a mental health in learning disabilities service, I have had the privilege of meeting and learning from many people with a learning disability. Although my role involves supporting people with their mental health and wellbeing, I have realised that I am learning just as much from them as they are from me.
One of the most important lessons has been understanding the impact of stigma. Stigma refers to negative attitudes, assumptions, and beliefs about a group of people. For individuals with a learning disability, stigma can shape how they are treated, the opportunities available to them, and how included they feel in their communities.
Understanding the Impact of Stigma
People with a learning disability are often viewed through the lens of what they cannot do rather than what they can. These assumptions can prevent people from feeling valued, listened to, and included. Many of the challenges people face are not caused by their disability itself, but by the barriers, discrimination, and exclusion they encounter in society.
Despite these barriers, many people with a learning disability continue to speak up for themselves and others, challenge unfair treatment, and work to create positive change. Their experiences have taught me the importance of courage, self advocacy, and working together to build a more inclusive society.
People Who Are Changing Perceptions
One example is George Webster, the first regular CBeebies presenter with Down Syndrome. George has used his platform to challenge stereotypes and show that people with learning disabilities can pursue meaningful careers. His visibility encourages others to believe in their potential and follow their goals.
Another person challenging stigma is Ellie Goldstein, a British model, actor, and disability activist with Down Syndrome. Ellie became one of the first professional models with Down Syndrome to work with major fashion brands and appear in campaigns across the world. By increasing the visibility of people with a Learning Disability in the media and fashion industry, she challenges assumptions about beauty, ability, and inclusion. Her success highlights the importance of creating opportunities for everyone to participate and thrive.
Paul Christian, a Black British activist, researcher, writer, and actor with a learning disability, also plays a vital role in challenging stigma. Paul has drawn attention to how the experiences of Black people with a learning disability are often overlooked in both disability research and public discussions. His work reminds us that people can experience multiple forms of discrimination at the same time, and that all voices must be heard.
The challenge of stigma is not unique to the United Kingdom. Around the world, people with a learning disability are working to create more inclusive societies. One example is Abdollah Heidari, from Iran, who has spoken at the United Nations about the experiences of people with a learning disability from minority communities. His advocacy calls for recognition, dignity, and inclusion, and demonstrates the importance of ensuring that people with learning disabilities can shape the conversations that affect their lives.
Examples such as George Webster, Ellie Goldstein, Paul Christian, and Abdollah Heidari, show that people with a learning disability are not passive recipients of support. They are leaders, advocates, role models, and agents of change who challenge stigma and create opportunities for others.
Why Lived Experience Matters
Research suggests that one of the most effective ways to reduce stigma is through meaningful contact and listening to the lived experiences of people with a learning disability. When people have opportunities to share their experiences and learn from one another, stereotypes can be challenged and understanding can grow.
An example of this approach is STORM (Standing Up for Myself), a group intervention developed by Katrina Scior. STORM helps people with a learning disability recognise stigma, build confidence, and develop strategies for responding to discrimination. Participants often describe feeling more empowered to speak up for themselves and others after the intervention. Importantly, the programme focuses not on changing the individual, but on helping people navigate and challenge unfair attitudes within society.
Lessons That Changed My Practice
Reflecting on my own experiences, I have learned that supporting people with learning disabilities is not simply about providing care or therapy. It is about listening, being curious, and recognising the strengths and expertise that people bring through their lived experiences.
Working in a learning disability service has challenged assumptions I did not realise I held about ability, communication, and independence. It has helped me think more critically about my role as a professional and the ways services can either empower or unintentionally exclude people. Through creating this presentation, as well as my work with service users, I am beginning to understand that speaking up for people does not always mean doing the talking for them. It also means supporting people to use their own voice.
Most importantly, people with a learning disability have taught me that everyone deserves to be heard, respected, and included. Meaningful change begins when we listen and take time to hear people’s experiences, recognise their strengths, and challenge our own assumptions. This is how we move closer to a society where everyone can participate fully and be valued for who they are.
About the author
Grace Quo is a second-year Trainee Clinical Psychologist at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (ioPPN). She is currently completing a placement working with people with a learning disability and co-occurring mental health difficulties. Grace is passionate about supporting people to reach their full potential and ensuring that psychological services are accessible to all.
Grace can be contacted on Grace.Kwao@slam.nhs.uk