Learning Disability Week 2026 is a national celebration that shines a light on the experiences, strengths and rights of people with learning disabilities. It takes place every June and encourages organisations, communities and services to reflect on how they can create more inclusive, understanding and accessible environments. The week is also an opportunity to challenge stigma, promote equality and highlight the importance of person-centred support. This year’s theme focuses on amplifying voices, improving understanding and ensuring that people with learning disabilities are fully involved in decisions about their own lives.
To mark Learning Disability Week on the 15th – 21st June, our Lead Learning Disability Nurse, Emily Welton, will be running a series of four webinars across Active Care Group. These sessions will explore key areas of good practice, from communication and reasonable adjustments to safeguarding, hospital support and person-centred planning.
Emily’s role is central to supporting individuals with learning disabilities across our services and put them at the heart of everything we do – from how our environments look and feel, to how the service runs and how they are cared for and supported in their most vulnerable times when they are poorly and need hospital admission.
Her webinars will give teams practical tools, confidence and insight to strengthen the quality of care we provide every day.
Our upcoming internal training webinars include:
Learning Disabilities and Health Inequalities
This webinar explores the health inequalities experienced by people with learning disabilities, including challenges in accessing healthcare services and support. It covers screening pathways, reasonable adjustments, available support, and the role of support teams in enabling access, advocacy, and effective communication. The session also includes guidance on procedures following the death of a person with a learning disability or an autistic person.
Learning Disabilities, Relationships and Sex Education
This webinar explores relationships, sexuality, and social inclusion for people with learning disabilities. It highlights the importance of supporting individuals to build friendships, develop relationships, and express their sexual needs safely and appropriately. The session also covers consent, capacity assessments, and the key considerations required for an individual to understand and consent to a sexual relationship.
Learning Disabilities, Downs Syndrome and Dementia
This webinar explores dementia in people with learning disabilities, including why individuals with a learning disability or Down’s syndrome may be at increased risk as they age. It covers early signs of cognitive decline, available screening pathways and support, barriers to diagnosis, and strategies for living well with dementia. The session also includes guidance on healthy lifestyles, creating safe environments, effective communication, future planning, and reducing dementia risk.
Understanding Sensory and Communication Needs to Create a Meaningful Week
The final of four webinars, this webinar will explore how understanding sensory needs and communication differences can help create meaningful experiences for people with a learning disability. Participants will learn about accessible communication methods, supportive technologies, respectful language, and the impact communication difficulties can have on daily life and wellbeing.
The session will also introduce the eight senses, sensory seeking and avoiding behaviours, and practical ways to support individuals using person-centred approaches and good practice guidance.
Learn more about the care and support Active Care Group can offer to individuals with a learning disability.
Active Care Group colleagues can learn more about these professional development opportunities by visiting the intranet.