Learning Disability Week 2020

Mencap’s theme for this year’s Learning Disability Week was ‘friendship’ and the importance of these during lockdown. It was a great opportunity to focus on the friendships that have been important during this difficult period and how they have helped students to stay positive. We asked students to discuss what friendship meant to them and reflect on why they have been essential in coping during isolation.

One student summed friendship up as “the person you can always talk to and makes you happy..someone who is always there for you, even when you’re down”. Most agreed with this statement and all emphasised how talking has been pivotal in coping with the Covid-19 lockdown. It was always a concern that it would be all too easy to withdraw and become introverted when faced with the prospect of isolating at home, so it was fantastic to hear that a supportive network was available to most students and the experience had united many different friendship circles.

Technology has been incredibly important in enabling communication between friends and allowing that connection to continue. Applications and services such as ‘Zoom’ and ‘FaceTime’, amongst others, have substituted regular meetings and social opportunities. It must be noted that should this period have been experienced by previous generations the reality would be far more difficult.

Many of our younger students commented how the regular online meets with their schools had given them the chance to catch up with peers and teachers and maintain contact with those they’d normally see everyday. I think the lack of routine that school normally provides as well the many social opportunities has been an incredibly difficult transition for many of our students and this is one way such relationships can continue. One students said she looks forward to their class meets because “everyone has a chance to share what they’ve done over the week and tell each other any exciting news.”

One parent commented that ‘distanced play-dates’ had now become a normal activity, and playing at the end of someone’s drive did not seem unusual. She spoke of the benefits to her daughter when meeting with her friends and the need for face-to-face interaction if possible for developmental reasons as much as communicative opportunities.

Although many challenges have arisen, one of the positives has been the increased innovative thinking and the different ways in which individuals have created to stay in touch. Summit’s weekly quiz has been a popular event and one student commented she always looks forward to seeing her friends and “have a laugh” with people she would normally interact with at our social sessions. The chance to speak via video adds an element that isn’t possible via phone, in that humour, facial expressions, and reactions can all be enjoyed and a more social atmosphere created. The sharing of hobbies and passions has also benefitted many of our students as common interests have been a catalyst for new friendships and discussions.

Interestingly, there were quite a few students who recognised they had made new friends during this period as they had spoken to people they normally wouldn’t have done. For those who struggle with social interaction and communication, it has provided an opportunity to develop skills in a more accessible way. There were many references to the new connections that had been made and also how existing friendships had strengthened over the past few months.

Mencap’s theme was highly appropriate for the reality we are all currently facing, and reflecting on friendships proved a great opportunity to recognise those who had been vital in the various support networks. The fact that new friendships had been made, others strengthened, and a new appreciation for social inclusion has been a powerful result of the restrictions we have faced. It evidences how important friendship is during times of difficulty and the ability to unite when faced with adversity.

Summit are incredibly proud of how students have reacted to the difficulties they have faced, and continue to face. The support given to one another has been incredible, and illustrates the resilience and strength drawn upon. With the gradual easing of restrictions we hope to be able to provide increased social opportunities as soon as possible.