Here you can see what is important to people with learning disabilities in our region, and how we are working together to ensure they can live healthy and independent lives.

About learning disabilities

The term ‘learning disability’ is used to describe many different conditions. People with the same learning disability may experience that condition differently.

It’s important that people with learning disabilities feel genuinely listened to and involved, have control and choice over their own lives.

During Learning Disability Week 2023 we are going to show some of the great things people with a learning disability are doing in our region, while also highlighting some of the key barriers and challenges they still face.

 

 

Meet Chloe Cannon

Chloe is Chair of our Regional Learning Disabilities Group, advising on health, social care and wellbeing priorities for people with learning disabilities across the Cwm Taf Morgannwg region.

Chloe is a passionate advocate for the rights of people with learning disabilities, having volunteered at charities Follow Your Dreams and Cwm Taf People First for many years

As Chair, Chloe, who has a learning disability, ensures the voice of people with learning disabilities is at the heart of funding and resourcing decisions for services.

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Hearing the voices and experiences of people with a learning disability.

How can we communicate effectively with people living with a learning disability?

We know communication can be a barrier for people with a learning disabiltiy.

To hear more about this, we asked Cwm Taf People First and the Our Voice Matters project to research communication preferences of people with a learning disability living in  Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taf.

People First Bridgend were also commissioned to do a similar piece of work with people with a learning disability across Bridgend.

As part of the Cwm Taf Research, a person with a learning disability was employed as a project facilitator to help steer the project and engage their peers.

28 people with a learning disability participated in the research.

When co-designing the research report, people with a learning felt that what they had learnt about communication couldn’t fully be captured in a written report and requested that a film was made to help other people understand their findings and recommendations.

People with learning disabilities in CTM would like more opportunities to access work and volunteer placements.

We've put together a collection of stories and inspiring projects supporting people with learning disabilities.

VIVA Fest

VIVA Fest (Vision, Inclusion, Voice, Advocacy) was a festival created by and for people with learning disabilities. The day enabled people to have fun at a festival, while also sharing experiences.

Watch the film

Project SEARCH

Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board has worked alongside 36 young people with a learning disability and/or autism, supporting 8 into CTM employment.

Contact CTM Work Experience team

Lynne's story

In this story we meet Lynne, who was one of the first people to set up People First, an advocacy group for people with learning disabilities in South Wales.

Read more

Organisations supporting people with learning disabilities in Cwm Taf Morgannwg

Cwm Taf People First

Cwm Taf People First is a charity that is run by and for people with learning disabilities who live in the areas of Rhondda Cynon Taf, Merthyr Tydfil & Blaenau Gwent.

Read more

People First Bridgend

People First Bridgend advocates for the rights of people with learning disabilities and autism in the Bridgend area.

Read more

Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council support for people with learning disabilities

If you live in RCT, you can find useful information here.

Read more

Bridgend County Borough Council support for people with learning disabilities

If you live in Bridgend, you can find useful information here.

Read more

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council support for people with learning disabilities

If you live in Merthyr Tydfil, you can find useful information here.

Read more

Mencap

Mencap Cymru provides supported living, home support, domiciliary care, respite services and residential care services to adults and young people with learning disabilities.

Read more

Can't find what you are looking for?

Dewis Cymru has a wide range of information.

Read more

Improving dementia services and support - 6th July, 09:30-14:30

People with learning disabilities, particularly those with Down's syndrome, are at increased risk of developing dementia. Join us to discuss what dementia support and services should look like for people with learning disabilities.

Sign up here

Do our communities know enough about dementia? How can we improve somebody's diagnosis experience?

Have your say on improving dementia services and support

Take our survey here.

Click here.

Have your say on improving dementia services and support - Easy Read

Take our survey here.

Click here.

We are proud to be members of
Co-Production Network for Wales.

We are proud to be members of
Co-Production Network for Wales.