Global self advocacy summit set for Birmingham

400 self-advocates from every region of the world will meet next week to share their ideas on what needs to change to make an inclusive world a reality in a self advocacy meeting.

Self-advocates are people with a learning disability who speak up for themselves on their rights and work for inclusion.

The summit will form part of a wider World Congress in Birmingham, the 17th edition of the annual event.

The Congress is organised by Inclusion International – a network of people with intellectual disabilities and their families – and is sponsored by UK-based learning disability charity Mencap.

“People with a learning disability have the same rights just like anyone else,” said self-advocate Senada the Vice-President of Inclusion Europe. “The right to education, the right to live independently and be included in the community, to have a job, to take part in social activities and develop friendships and relationships.”

“There are still so many areas that need improving, and the World Congress is a powerful place where things can happen.”

Jan Tregelles, Chief Executive of Mencap, added: “The Congress offers a powerful platform for people with a learning disability to not only learn more about how they can change their local communities but share their experiences to inspire others.”

LDT Editor

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