SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan has attended a Royal Mencap Society reception this week in the House of Commons to celebrate Learning Disability Week 2015.
At the reception Mr Durkan spoke to people with learning disabilities, carers and family members to better understand the challenges they face and the changes they want to see in society.
Mr Durkan said: “I am delighted to support Mencap and Learning Disability Week 2015.
“People with learning disabilities and their families are as much a part of our society as anyone else and deserve to have their voices heard on the issues that matter most to them.
“We may know that someone has a learning disability but that does not mean we know them, their needs or feelings. As politicians we can only know or understand their views, issues and ideas by listening to them.
“Importantly, political parties must do more to ensure that all people, including those with learning disabilities, are more engaged in the democratic process.”
Jan Tregelles, Mencap’s chief executive, said: “It is encouraging to see so many MPs listening to people with a learning disability and their families about the problems they face and the change they want to see in the new Parliament. They are the experts in what matters to them, so newly elected MPs should be listening to what they have to say throughout the new Parliament.”
Lord Brian Rix, Mencap President, said: “There are 1.4 million people in the UK with a learning disability and 6 million more family members and carers connected to them. However they often tell us they feel they are not listened to by politicians and subsequently many of the challenges they face go unheard and unresolved. We are asking new Members of Parliament to listen to what people with a learning disability and their families have to say.”