Essential skills training - Sara Canham

For people with developmental and intellectual disabilities too often, “lacks capacity” really means “wasn't given a fair chance.” Capacity is not measured by how quickly someone understands an explanation that was rushed, full of jargon, or delivered only once. People with intellectual disabilities have the right to information presented in ways that make sense to them, with time to ask questions and support to understand. Before deciding that someone cannot make a complex decision, we should first ask whether we have done a good enough job of explaining it.

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ID: Text reads: People with intellectual disabilities are often judged to lack capacity without proper support to understand. Image shows a professional-looking person is talking to a support worker. The speech bubble reads: “Tom lacks capacity to make complex decisions.” Person with intellectual disability with a thought bubble: You explained it once. Badly.

Don’t assume anything!

Comment GUIDE and I'll DM you my free checklist to start building life on your own terms. 🚀 The Power of Assumption. Madison Tevlin’s campaign for Down syndrome is a masterclass in how invisible rules and external expectations create our reality. When people assume someone cannot learn Shakespeare, live alone, or even swear, they stop providing the tools to do those things—and the assumption becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. It is a reminder that many are capable, intelligent, and disciplined, yet are held back by what others consider "safe" or "acceptable" for them to achieve. Real independence starts with the ability to think for yourself and reject the framework you were given by others. It is the moment you stop outsourcing your life to the limited imagination of teachers, coaches, or society. Independence is choosing your own priorities intentionally and trusting your own judgment, even when others disagree or set lower bars for your success. Ask yourself today: which decision in my life am I postponing because I’m waiting for someone else to assume that I can? You don’t need to wait for their permission to act; awareness is already movement. Evolution happens at your pace, and it starts with the refusal to let someone else's assumptions define the boundaries of your world. Source: Madison Tevlin YT Credits to the respective owners. I curate and transform these clips to provide educational value and a better viewing experience. #madisontevlin #empowerher #reignera #powerinfemininity #womenempowerment

We must think about the words we use….

You do not ‘feed’ people you ‘feed’ pets, you ‘assit’ someone with eating ….

When you or I go shopping, go out with friends, we don’t say we are ‘going into the community’ ……
We need to think about how the words we use, can dehumanise the people we are supporting …

It's said too easily in the field of intellectual and developmental disability support. “Attention-seeking." It sounds professional. Measured.

Our words matter because they shape our actions. When we call something “attention-seeking,” we give ourselves permission to step back, to manage rather than respond.

But if we choose to see communication instead, then we are called to do more. To listen differently. To take responsibility for hearing what was said, even when it wasn’t said in a way we expected.

When we don’t understand the way someone communicates, it doesn’t mean there’s no meaning; it means we haven’t understood it yet.

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ID: The title of the image reads: People with intellectual disabilities asking for help are often labelled as “attention-seeking.” A professional-looking person is talking to a support worker. The speech bubble reads: “Sarah displays attention-seeking behaviour.” Person with an intellectual disability with a thought bubble: I was asking for help.

Be part of something special this Makaton International Awareness Day 2026!

We’re teaming up with the incredible Electric Umbrella for a joyful, inclusive online songwriting workshop and we want Makaton users to lead the way 💛

Together we’ll start creating a brand new community song celebrating Makaton. Your ideas, experiences and creativity will shape the lyrics, from themes to signs!

In this interactive session, you’ll:
🎵 Listen to music
👐 Use Makaton signs
💡 Share your ideas and themes
🗣️ Help decide what the song is all about

Families, carers, schools, colleges and supporters are all welcome to join but the creative direction will come from Makaton users taking part.

After the workshop, Electric Umbrella will use the ideas from the group to begin writing the song. There will also be a second session where you can help sing and sign in the final recording and video!

✨ Come along, share your voice, and help create something meaningful for the whole Makaton community.

📅 Don’t miss out – find out more & sign up here:
https://ow.ly/UYPo50YBIqJ

📌 Please note: This Zoom session will be recorded as part of the song creation.

New painless blood tests trialled in people with learning disabilities A painless new method of conducting blood tests in people with learning disabilities is currently being trialled by the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT).