There is no barrier that can’t be overcome with determination, compassion, and creativity!
The support has been fantasticβ¦it has been so much easier not doing it on my ownβ¦Itβs taken a long time to get the safety net I needed!β
There are approximately 1.5 million people with learning disabilities in the UK and many of them are never given the opportunity to achieve their ambitions. SeeAbility has been pioneering specialist support for over 200 years and we don’t shy away from anything – whether that’s working with someone to find employment for the first time, supporting them to learn new life skills, or helping them to find love and companionship.
When SeeAbility was chosen as one of the charities for the ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Lifeline Appeal, we not only raised almost £12,000, but reached a whole new audience with our messages around inclusion - raising greater awareness of what can be achieved when a person with a learning disability is given the same opportunity as everyone else to live, love, thrive and belong in society.
Beatrix had been searching for work for seven years, but despite her drive and willingness, hadn’t found an opportunity. Within 2 months of joining ‘Ready, Willing and Able’ - SeeAbility’s supported employment programme - Beatrix, who has autism, was offered employment at an award-winning restaurant.
As she says in the film, “I feel a weight has lifted off my shoulders. Life is a lot less stressful not having to look for a job.”
Along with Beatrix, the film featured the story of Kiyana, a fun-loving little girl with Down’s Syndrome, who, thanks to SeeAbility’s specialist eyecare team, who supported her with specially-fitted glasses, is finally able to live the active life that means so much to her. And it also featured Connor, who has cerebal palsy and a learning disability. He was living in a residential home but the lack of independence was badly affecting his mental health. With SeeAbility’s support, he was able to apply for his own flat and finally live an independent life.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed to our appeal. Your kind donations mean we can continue our supported employment programme, carry on changing lives through our eyecare work and ensuring that, as a result of our wide-ranging social care support, people who have learning disabilities or autism can live truly ambitious lives and achieve things they never thought possible.