Our SEND learners overcome challenges and break barriers every day: from using a computer to working in the NHS
We celebrated their achievements at our annual SEND Awards.
The awards took place during Learning Disability Week. This year’s theme “Do you see me” reflects the reality: people with learning disabilities are often unseen. The SEND Awards is an opportunity for those with learning disabilities to be seen.
Taking centre stage
At the event, SEND learners showed how capable they are. In a packed room, SEND learner Ruby delivered a lesson on Filipino words. This included words such as ‘Hello’, which got the whole room waving and repeating ‘Kamusta’ – a word I still remember after the event, showing just how brilliantly it was taught. Then, the arts group and their teacher Becky read aloud a fabulous poem. Learners also shared other creative endeavours from this year, such as podcasting. A video montage showed the amazing gardening work of learners in the Northfield garden. They’ve created not only a warm and welcoming space but a beautiful one.
We then heard the story of a particular Northfield learner, Matthew, who attends the Independent Living Skills course. In a moving video, Matthew’s dad spoke of his son’s incredible transformation.
As the awards neared the end, all learners walked to the front and received a certificate for their achievements – from taking charge of their own money and gaining freedom like Matthew, to Sherif who advises doctors and nurses in his new NHS job.
SEND learners deserve to be seen
The SEND learners showed they can be independent, creative and employable. They have shown they can break down barriers. What is also striking is the learners’ support for each other. In the Filipino lesson the whole class joined Ruby at the front, energetically repeating the words with her, urging the audience to take part. Later, whenever a learner was nervous about walking to the front to collect their certificate, their classmates encouraged them, clapping that little bit louder. The SEND learners have achieved a lot as individuals. They are also a community.
We are proud of them. In the closing words of SEND Manager, Jocelyn: “It’s why we do what we do.”
Learn more here about Learning Disability Week | Mencap and SEND services Special Educational Needs and Disabilities | Birmingham Adult Education Service
Written by Stefan Breen
