07:41, 16 June 2026
Words by Abi Scaife, Staff Writer, London
“Do you see me?”
It’s a question we’ve all asked - or wanted to - during our lifetimes. But this year it has a particularly significant meaning; it is the theme for Learning Disability Week 2026.
“’Do you see me?’ is about making sure that people with a learning disability are seen, heard, included, and valued in all aspects of life.” says Mencap, the charity which heads up Learning Disability Week.
The charity made headlines last year when Traitors contestant Alexander Dragonetti announced that his winnings would be donated to Mencap, in memory of his late brother who had a learning disability. His heartfelt story sparked over 2,000 donations, totalling £30,000.
Today, Alexander is one of the charity’s ambassadors and biggest supporters.
Mencap is an incredible charity dedicated to creating a fairer and more inclusive society for those with learning disabilities of all kinds. They campaign tirelessly for change on a political and social scale, as well as working closely with families and loved ones of those with learning disabilities and providing on-the-ground support services.
Learning Disability Week is not only about raising awareness of the 1.5 million people in the UK with a learning disability, but about pushing forward change and reform to help make their lives better.
One of the biggest ways Mencap are trying to do this is by helping people with learning disabiltiies find paid employment. According to Mencap’s research, only 26.7% of adults with a learning disability are employed. Despite that, a whopping 86% of unemployed people with a learning disability want to have a paid job.
A huge barrier in making this change is awareness and understanding. Employers may not be aware there is a need for increased employment among people with learning disability, nor that there are resources out there to help them.
Mencap has a whole wealth of information and support for potential employers looking to employ people with learning disabilities, as well as providing job coaches on the other end of the conversation, so that those looking to enter employment can do so.
Last year, Mencap featured Ellie Goldstein, model and actress and one of Mencap’s Myth Busters. During Learning Disability Week 2025, she became the face of Mencap’s retail stores, and has become a well known, and well loved, face since then.
“I love how the photos have turned out, I look so cool in all the lovely outfits! It’s really exciting to see myself in the shop windows,” said Ellie. “It means a lot to me to be part of Learning Disability Week and to show what people with learning disabilities can achieve - follow your dreams!”
Ellie made history as the first Down Syndrome model to feature on the front cover of Vogue and has gone on to purchase a house and publish a book about her life called Against All Odds. Ellie is a brilliant example of why Learning Disability Week is so important; when people are educated about learning disabilities, and those who have them are given the support, care and understanding they need, they can do incredible things.
Learning Disability Week 2026 is culminating in One Big Walk - where Mencap is asking their supporters to walk 1.5 million steps to help raise funds and awareness for the 1.5 million people in the UK with a learning disability.
Mencap are asking people all over the UK to register for the One Big Walk, the funds from which will go on to help the charity make changes to policy that will benefit people with learning disabilities all over the UK, as well as allowing them to be there to support families and people whose lives are affected by learning disabilities.
If you want to learn more about Mencap and the work they are doing, you can sign up for their Lunch and Learn at 12pm on Tuesday 16th June 2026 here on the Mencap website.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Mencap. This is the UK’s leading learning disability charity. They provide supported living services, help individuals develop independent life skills, and campaign for equal rights. Learn more here.
Scope. This is a disability equality charity that provides practical information, support, and a national helpline for disabled people, their families, and carers. Discover their work here.
Learning Disabilities Association of America. This US based nonprofit is a leading non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting individuals with learning disabilities through advocacy, education, and research. Find out more here.
