Today (Monday 14 September) is the start of National Inclusion Week 2026, and we wanted to share what real inclusion looks like to the team at Learning Disability Wales.
‘Inclusion’ is something that’s talked about all the time. Society talks about the importance of inclusion, belonging, ‘being your authentic self’ and more.
But how many of us really feel included and that we belong?
In recent years, inclusion has even become a focus for workplaces with programmes, networks and workshops aimed at building better communities.
This is where National Inclusion Week comes in.
What is National Inclusion Week?
National Inclusion Week was started by Inclusive Employers in 2013 as an annual campaign aimed at celebrating inclusion and taking positive action to build inclusive workplaces.
While it’s great to see this shift starting to happen, for many people with a learning disability inclusion can still feel a long way off.
For people with a learning disability, inclusion isn’t just a buzzword, something to simply raise awareness of or talk about. It’s about connecting with others, being a part of your community, socialising, learning and being able to work if you want to. And so many people with a learning disability do want to work but aren’t given the opportunity or support to do so, and to us, that’s not real inclusion.
Too often people with a learning disability face barriers in society that can leave them excluded from things like health and care systems, education, communities, transport and public places. They experience a world that, at times, makes them feel more isolated and excluded than ever.
To quote the National Inclusion Week theme, society needs to ‘build trust’ with people with a learning disability and listen to their experiences to ‘navigate the change’ that’s really needed to help them feel genuinely included.
What inclusion means to Learning Disability Wales
Here at Learning Disability Wales, inclusion isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a vital part of what we do and is embedded in our team values. We want all our staff, trustees and volunteers to feel seen, heard, valued and included. We recognise that we all have a role in making sure that our workplace is inclusive and that we must learn from each other to achieve this.
It means so much to so many people, which is why we asked some of our staff what real inclusion means to them:
Zoe, Chief Executive
“Inclusion is a feeling.
A feeling that you can lead, be part of, rock up, opt out of whatever group or life you are part of.
To be in control of how you participate in anything is vital.”
Rhian, Easy Read Wales
“For me, real inclusion means listening to people, believing them and valuing what they bring. It’s about being flexible about how people join in, so everyone has a real chance to access what they need, take part and have their voice heard.”
Victoria, Gig Buddies Cymru (north Wales)
“Inclusion has become an important part of my life over the years.
I feel passionately that everyone – including those of us with learning disabilities and/or autism or any other disability – has the right to feel valued, respected, supported and free to break down those barriers that prevent us from enjoying equal access and full participation in all areas of society including our local communities or workplaces.”
Simon, Events team
“When we talk about inclusion, we need to address digital inclusion because so much of modern life involves digital technology. We need to make sure that everyone has access to digital technology, along with the skills and support to stay safe and make the most of what it has to offer.”
Emma, Gig Buddies Cymru (south Wales)
“To me inclusion is meaningful, proper engagement and involvement.
Feeling truly a part of something rather than watching from the sidelines.”
Inacia, Easy Read Wales
“To me, inclusion is making people feel they can be themselves, in other words making room for each other without judgement or question. Also, being able to get the support from others so that you can do your best.”
Beth, Policy and Communications team
“To me, inclusion is feeling that you belong, just by being yourself.
Feeling accepted, appreciated and that you matter is a sign of real inclusion.”
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