Page 17 - Community Living Magazine 36-1

o y
ou?
t does it mean t
– what does it mean to you?
– wha

Jim Blair Dr Joanna Griffin our planet. People with learning
Consultant nurse in learning disabilities Parent carer, psychologist, author and difficulties hold the key to a different
The right to be engaged in society should Affinity Hub founder vision of citizenship and community.
be afforded to all, whether you use words My son, who’s 15, wants to go swimming, Community living must be about
or not, whether you fit inside the visit a cafe, walk the dog and see friends stepping up, daring to shake things up and
designated societal margins or not. and family. He also needs to choose food creating new forms of social life,
Each person has abilities, talents and from a supermarket, go the opticians, get environmental action and political change.
skills, and should be deemed a contributor. the bus and be part of everyday life –
We need to see people and their families something those who don’t have a Dr Ayesha Mahmud
in real positions of power and authority learning disability may take for granted. GP and parent
with the ability to be change agents. What supports us are inclusive, As a parent, especially a Pakistani-British
accessible facilities and a welcoming Muslim parent of a daughter with a
Dr Sam Smith attitude. Education, awareness and learning disability, my aspiration is
Chief executive, C-Change Scotland representation helps. Those who stand that she’s accepted as part of the
What makes a successful life in the out are the people who accept us as we community – able to live, work, socialise
community for people with learning are, with openness and patience. and enjoy life.
disabilities is largely the same as for It’s my dream not to worry about
everyone else. Dr Simon Duffy what will happen when I’m not around. I
Having space and a place where you’re Director, Citizen Network Research hope people know she won’t just take but
loved and respected for who you are, We live at a time of social isolation, where also give.
where you can grow and become your fear, poverty and prejudice have locked As a GP, making community living a
own good self. Where you spend time too many in their own little bubbles. success means ensuring reasonable
with people you know and care about, This isn’t about people with learning adjustments, personalised annual health
and who know and care about you. difficulties – our whole society is checks (which can lead to improved
Where you can live life by a rhythm that disconnected, insecure and distracted by health outcomes) and that people are
suits you, going to places you like to go, consumerist dreams that are killing part of patient participation groups. n
doing things you like to do. Where you
feel safe and part of something bigger.

Jolanta Lasota
Chief executive, Ambitious About Autism
As a society, we should all have high
aspirations for what autistic young people
can achieve. Like everyone, they should
have employment, education or training
opportunities that enable them to live an
active life as part of the community of
their choice.
Early intervention, education and
support play a key role in preparing
people for the life they wish to lead.
Within our schools and college, we
work with young people and their families
to understand their interests and
ambitions and to develop skills that will
enable them to have a quality of life they
deserve and are entitled to.

www.cl-initiatives.co.uk Community Living Vol 36 No 1 | Autumn 2022 17