See Me, Hear Me, Value Me! Celebrating Learning Disability Week
This blog is all about making sure people with learning disabilities are seen, heard, and celebrated for their incredible contributions to the arts, media, and culture.
Why does representation matter?
When we see people who are like us in TV shows, movies, fashion, and art, it makes us feel understood, valued, and like we belong. That’s why representation in the media is so important – it shows everyone the incredible diversity and talent that exists. This blog is all about making sure people with learning disabilities are seen, heard, and celebrated for their incredible contributions to the arts, media, and culture.
Why are we focusing on learning disabilities?
Learning Disability Week is an event organised by the charity, Mencap, to raise awareness of what life is like if you have a learning disability. The theme for the event this year (2025) is “Do You See Me?”. It is about people with learning disabilities being seen, heard and valued.
We would like to share some examples that celebrate the theme and the contributions of people with learning disabilities in the arts, media and culture.
Ellie Goldstein
Ellie is a model who has featured on the cover of Vogue magazine as well as multiple other modelling jobs in the fashion and beauty industries. She has also worked as an actor, dancer and author, writing a children’s book based on her life. In 2025, she took part in The Great Celebrity Bake Off: Stand Up 2 Cancer. She is also an ambassador for Mencap.
Ellie has challenged stereotypes of the modelling industry and shown the world what people with learning disabilities are capable of. Ellie continues to inspire and encourages others to follow their dreams.
Tommy Jessop
Tommy is an actor who has had a number of roles on television and on stage including the leading role in Shakespeare’s Hamlet. One of his best known television roles was playing Terry Boyle in Line of Duty. He made a documentary called Tommy Jessop goes to Hollywood in which he took his idea for a super hero film to Hollywood to pitch to the film industry. The documentary aimed to address the lack of visibility and diversity of roles available for people with learning disabilities.
Tommy is also an ambassador for Mencap and campaigns for the rights of people with Down syndrome.
The Assembly
The Assembly is a television programme where a group of learning disabled, autistic and neurodivergent people interview celebrities. No topics are off limits and they ask some very challenging questions. There are also a lot of light hearted and amusing moments in the show.
The range of questions and the diversity of the group highlights that we shouldn’t make assumptions about the experiences or abilities of disabled people. They also showcase exceptional talent in music and dance with a performance in each show.
Housemates
Housemates is a play performed by neurodivergent and neurotypical actors and musicians from Hijinx and Sherman Theatre. It follows the true story of a group of students and people with learning disabilities who were residents of Ely Hospital.
The story shows how they worked together to bring about the end of institutionalised care and the introduction of supported living. This allowed people with learning disabilities to live and be included within communities rather than in institutions. It was an important moment for the rights and freedoms of people with learning disabilities.
Unity Festival
Hijinx also hold a festival in Cardiff showcasing and celebrating the creative talents of neurodiverse, disabled and learning disabled artists. Unity festival is one of the largest inclusive arts festivals in Europe and the only one of its kind in Wales.
These are just a few examples of the many accomplishments of people with learning disabilities. Why not follow Learning Disability Week to find other inspirational stories and find out about ways to get involved? You can find out more on Mencap’s website or by following them on social media.
Want to chat about learning disabilities? Get in touch with our friendly advisors on the Meic helpline from 8am to midnight every day.
