This year’s Learning Disability Week, invited us all to consider an important question: “Do You See Me?”
At Active Prospects, the people we support being seen is about much more than being included in activities. It is about having genuine opportunities to share ideas, influence decisions, challenge assumptions and help shape our communities. It is about recognising people for their strengths, talents, aspirations and contributions.
Throughout the week, people we support, staff, volunteers and partners came together to celebrate these values through a series of activities designed to encourage connection, learning and community.
Launching Learning Disability Week
We began the week with an online launch event exploring the theme “Do You See Me?” and what it means to people we support. Creating an opportunity for people to share their own experiences, discuss what helps them feel included and valued, and reflect on how we can continue building communities where everyone belongs.
“Active prospects allow people with lived experience to share their opinions on projects or co-production. It’s the first time I have had this myself and its great to be involved in it.” Oliver McGowan, Expert with Lived Experience
Group Walk and Talk
On Tuesday, people from our homes came together for a group walk and talk around Reigate Priory Park.
The walk provided an informal opportunity to connect with others, enjoy the outdoors and spend time talking about shared interests, hobbies and experiences. Opportunities like these can play an important role in helping people build friendships, improve wellbeing and strengthen their sense of belonging.
Accessible Book Launch: A walk with friends
On Wednesday, we attended the launch of A Walk with Friends, a new accessible picture book created by members of the Surrey-based Books Beyond Words Book Club and inspired by visits across the Surrey Hills.
Developed in partnership with Books Beyond Words, Surrey Choices and The Pro-Active Community, the project brought together people with learning disabilities and autistic people to shape every stage of the book’s development.
The launch was a celebration not only of the finished book, but also of the opportunities and experiences that developed throughout the journey.
Alongside the launch, people who didn’t attend were invited to take part in a “Do You See Me?” photo competition, encouraging them to capture images that reflected what the theme meant to them personally. This could be a photo of you enjoying a hobby, spending time with friends, achieving a personal goal, or simply doing something that makes them feel confident, happy and empowered.
Sharing Food, Stories and Connection
On Thursday, members of The Pro-Active Community hosted a Bring and Share Picnic.
Events like this help strengthen relationships and create spaces where people feel welcomed, included and valued.
Managing My Safety and Security
The week concluded with the annual Managing My Safety and Security event at East Surrey College, led by The Pro Active Community.
The event focused on topics that people we support identified as important to their safety, wellbeing and independence. Including; expert talks on health screening, Mental Health Capacity Act, Advocacy and Rights Talks.
The day brought together speakers, organisations and community partners to discuss practical ways people we support can stay safe and access support.
Looking Beyond Learning Disability Week
While Learning Disability Week lasts for one week each year, the principles behind it guide our work everyday.
At Active Prospects, we believe everyone should have opportunities to learn, explore new horizons, connect with others and lead aspirational lives. We remain committed to working alongside people with learning disabilities and autistic people to ensure their voices are heard, their expertise is valued and their ideas help shape the future.
Thank you to everyone who took part in Learning Disability Week 2026 and helped make it such a positive and inspiring celebration of community, lived experience and belonging.
