Perth to host major learning disability event

Researcher and practitioners across Scotland are set to benefit from a seminar exploring the citizenship and human rights of people with learning disabilities.  Equal, Connected and Contributing:  Research perspectives on the citizenship and human rights of people with learning disabilities

Although people with learning disabilities are individuals with equal rights to citizenship and participation, their voices in research often go unheard. While inclusion is a policy imperative in many aspects of life, research is still too often done ‘to’ rather than ‘with’ or ‘by’ people with learning disabilities themselves. 

In an attempt to redress this anomaly the Scottish Consortium for Learning Disability , in collaboration with the Open University  and the Institute for Research and Innovation in Social Services (IRISS) , is holding a one day research seminar to reflect upon the participation of and the contributions made by people with learning disabilities within our society. 

Drawing on current research the seminar will bring together people with an interest in research in learning disability. It will be chaired by Professor Alison Petch, Director of IRISS and bring together keynote speakers and workshop presenters of national and international reputation including:

• Professor Duncan Mitchell (Manchester Metropolitan University)
• Dr Ed Hall (University of Dundee)
• Professor Jan Walmsley (Visiting Professor at The Open University)
• Professor Kirsten Stalker (University of Strathclyde)

This event will be of interest to a wide range of people such as researchers, students, practitioners, advocates and supporters, people with learning disabilities and their families. There will be sessions on themes such as participation, the challenges of participatory research and aspects of inclusion such as inclusive citizenship and inclusive spaces.  In addition, the seminar will explore the formation of a learning disability research network in Scotland.

The conference ‘Equal, Connected and Contributing: Research perspectives on the citizenship and human rights of people with learning disabilities’, will take place on 10th June 2010 at Perth Concert Hall, Mill Street, Perth PH1 5HZ. The cost is £85 or £40 for students.  For further information or to book a place please contact Jan or Fiona at the SCLD office on 0141 418 5420 or visit : www.scld.org.uk   or  www.iriss.ac.uk