Becoming a leader

This presentation provided a personal account of the transition from education in a special school to the world of work. It emphasised the importance of advocacy in leading to Raymond’s current work, but also raised issues including:

• the insufficient time given by health professionals to ‘hear’ what learning disabled people have to say
• the limited employment opportunities for learning disabled people.

Running a ‘People First’ group helped Raymond’s self-confidence, to challenge discrimination at work and to move into his own home. Raymond is seen as a role model and wants to reach more people to help them see what they can achieve.