Growing up with a learning disability, I was often told I wouldn’t achieve anything but after 23 years working at Mencap, I’ve felt the power of small measures. I’ve been fortunate enough to experience firsthand, how those seemingly small, yet meaningful adjustments can make a difference for people with a learning disability. 

These small measures at Mencap, along with the support from my colleagues, have empowered me to grow and thrive, both professionally and personally. For instance, I’ve received support from my job coaches over the years, who have helped me navigate my career and empowered me to have brave conversations with my managers. 

A few years ago, when I had a performance review coming up, I knew I was ready to grow and take on more responsibility. With my job coach’s support, I found the courage to speak up and ask my manager about the possibility of a promotion. It was a huge step for me, not just in my career, but in proving to myself that I could push for what I wanted. That conversation led to a promotion, and today, I’m proud to be the Engagement Lead at Mencap. That experience taught me that by speaking up, I could create opportunities not just for myself, but for others too. I started encouraging my colleagues with a learning disability to have similar conversations about their development. It was my way of saying, ‘You can do this too.’ This type of support and empowerment is something I hope to see more of, so that people with a learning disability everywhere can grow and develop in their careers. 

Other small measures at Mencap – like having access to easy-read documents, flexible working hours, and extra time in meetings to make sure I understand what has been discussed – have helped so much. These might seem very small, but they’ve been incredibly important in supporting me to do my job well. 

Simply being kind is another thing that people can do. It’s often the small acts of kindness that make me feel supported.

I had been bullied an awful lot as a child because of my learning disability. I had been told I would never do anything, would never achieve anything and never be someone. After working at Mencap and receiving all this support, I’ve been able to speak up for myself, have a career and dream big. Thanks to my job, I’m now able to live in my own home, I’ve learned that I can have a meaningful relationship, and today, I’m married. The small measures at work, have had a huge impact beyond my work. They’ve made all the difference to my life. 

About Ciara Lawrence
Ciara Lawrence is a well-known learning disability campaigner and a Shaw Trust Power 100 influencer. She has written for The Guardian, The Huffington Post, and The Independent.

Search ‘Ciara’s pink sparkle podcast’ via Google.

There are currently 1.5 million people in the UK living with a learning disability, Mencap is here to help them live life to the fullest: www.mencap.org.uk