LOCAL people with learning disabilities will star in their very own book.
Thanks to a fundraising campaign, customers of Heart of England Mencap are getting an opportunity to have their unique story told in a ‘Book Beyond Words.’ The stories will be told through a series of illustrations which fundraising manager Cath Errington explained was perfect for adults with a learning disability who preferred to read using pictures rather than words.
The books are designed to open-up communication channels for the adults with the help of illustrator Lucy Bergonzi, who has been working with customers at Warwick Pathway, helping them to draw their stories to be compiled into the book.
The Heart of England Mencap book will be printed and take pride of place at Pathway as well as being taken to local schools to open-up discussions about learning disabilities, to break-down barriers and tackle any stigma.
Cath said: “Our customers wanted to create their own book to highlight some of the issues and bullying they have faced as a person with a learning disability, and to tell people a bit more about what a learning disability is, so that people in their local community understand some of the problems they face.”
Charity chief executive Helena Wallis added: “It will really enable the voice of the learning disability community to be heard – and our customers are already getting so much out of it.”
Heart of England Mencap will be launching its Accessible Book Club at this year’s Stratford Literary Festival on Friday April 28. from 1pm, at Stratford ArtsHouse. Entry is free.
Visit www.heartofenglandmencap.org.uk for more information.
