New to Mencap - Excited to Learn and Connect

[Simo_882]

Hi everyone, I'm Mohammed. I'm new to Mencap and very interested in learning more about learning disabilities. I'm approaching this with an open mind and a desire to understand different perspectives. I believe everyone has something valuable to share, and I'm looking forward to engaging in thoughtful conversations with members of this community.

[Galwaybay2]

Mohammed, Why are you interested in learning disabilities? The important point, in a nutshell, is that people who have learning differences are just like the rest of us in that each one is different.

[Simo_882 in reply to Galwaybay2]

That's a really important point, thank you. I'm coming here to learn and understand as much as I can learn about the diverse experiences of people with learning disabilities. Listening and learning seems like the best way to start.

[Galwaybay2 in reply to Simo_882]

I'm glad you think people with learning disabilities have valuable things to say. I genuinely don't want to hurt your feelings, but I will say what I feel here. Please don't make yourself feel better by patronising people with learning disabilities. I suspect others in the group will object to my words, but I think you may be betraying a deeply unconscious bias that I personally, find offensive.

[Simo_882 in reply to Galwaybay2]

Thanks for the feedback! I understand your concern. I'm genuinely here to learn and listen, and I'll definitely be mindful of how my words come across.

[DrSarahmac]

hi Mohammed and welcome. I’m so pleased you are coming to the group aware that you may not understand how the lived experience of a person with learning disabilities, their carers and parents differs from the experiences of those without this disability. I’m sure these threads will give you an insight. The issues we face are differ but have common themes, but we can all support each other through what we have learned. 👍

[Simo_882 in reply to DrSarahmac]

Thank you for the warm welcome!