Learning Disability Week 2026: Living Longer, Living Well

Learning Disability Week 

15–21 June 2026

ARC NI and TILII are proud to celebrate Learning Disability Week 2026 with our campaign theme:

Living Longer, Living Well

People with a learning disability are living longer than ever before. This is something to celebrate. It also creates new opportunities to ensure that people can enjoy good health, meaningful relationships, independence, inclusion and choice throughout their lives.

Throughout Learning Disability Week, ARC NI, TILII members, people supported, staff and partners will come together to share stories, experiences and ideas about what it means to live longer and live well.

The campaign will highlight the importance of listening to the voices of people with a learning disability, autism and other support needs. It will recognise their contributions, ensuring that services, communities and policymakers work alongside them to plan for the future.

Launching the Week – This Is Our Time

We begin the week with a message from ARC NI Director, Leslie-Anne, who introduces the campaign and reflects on why this conversation matters.

Alongside this, our first campaign film, This Is Our Time, celebrates the lives, aspirations and achievements of people with a learning disability. TILII members, people supported, staff and ARC partners share what matters most to them – from friendships and community connections to work, learning new skills and pursuing their interests. Watch the full film on our YouTube Channel here.

Their message is clear: people with a learning disability are living longer, living well and making valuable contributions to society every day.

Voices & Pride Day

On Tuesday, we celebrate the voices, experiences and identities of people with a learning disability through our TILII Voices Campaign.

Through a series of simple but powerful messages, TILII members will share what living well means to them, highlighting the importance of self-confidence, inclusion, belonging and being heard. These personal reflections remind us that living longer is not just about health and support services – it is also about being valued, respected and proud of who you are.

From celebrating achievements and friendships to having a voice in decisions that affect their lives, the campaign showcases the many ways people with a learning disability contribute to their communities and society.

Living Longer, Living Well in Practice

Wednesday focuses on how ARC NI and its partners are helping to ensure that people with a learning disability can live well as they grow older.

As people with a learning disability live longer, planning for good support, inclusion, dignity and wellbeing becomes increasingly important. Through training, partnership working, networking and future planning initiatives, ARC NI is committed to supporting services and communities to respond to changing needs and aspirations.

Throughout the day, we will showcase examples of ARC NI’s practical work. We focus on training such as dementia and learning disability, learning disability induction training and palliative care. These initiatives help equip staff and organisations with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to provide high-quality, person-centred support.

In a video by our Director, we will also highlight ARC NI’s wider role in bringing people together. This can be seen through member engagement, strategic networking, partnership working and sector leadership. Collaboration across organisations and sectors is essential to improving outcomes and ensuring people with a learning disability are supported to age well.

As part of the day’s activities, TILII will launch its new Living Longer, Living Well Easy Read resource. It explores important topics including living longer, living well, staying included, wellbeing and planning for the future. The resource has been developed to ensure that people with a learning disability can access information in a format that is meaningful and easy to understand.

The day will also encourage conversations about future planning and signpost people to TILII’s work on Advance Care Planning. It highlights the importance of making choices, expressing wishes and preparing for the future in ways that promote dignity, independence and control.

Listen to Us

Our second campaign film, Listen To Us, focuses on the importance of ensuring that people with a learning disability are heard as they grow older.

In the film, TILII members, people supported, staff and ARC partners share their experiences of health, independence, positive ageing, inclusion and good support.

Their message is simple but powerful:

Listen to Us. Include Us. Plan With Us.

Watch the full film here.

Creating services and communities that support people to age well requires meaningful involvement, genuine partnership and a commitment to co-production at every stage.

Looking After Our Environment and Our Future

On Friday, TILII members turn their attention to one of Northern Ireland’s most important natural resources – Lough Neagh.

Through a special film, members share why protecting Lough Neagh matters to them and why healthy environments contribute to healthy communities.

Living longer and living well is not only about health and care services. It is also about having access to safe, welcoming environments where people can connect with nature, participate in their communities and enjoy good wellbeing.

The film highlights the importance of protecting the world around us for future generations. Watch it on TILII TV.

Celebrating Community and Belonging

We conclude Learning Disability Week by celebrating the friendships, communities and connections that help people thrive.

Community and Belonging Day showcases the people, places and moments that make individuals feel valued, included and connected.

Friendship, participation and a sense of belonging play a vital role in supporting people with a learning disability to live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives.

Join the Conversation

Throughout Learning Disability Week 2026, we invite everyone to engage with our films, resources and social media content and to help amplify the voices of people with a learning disability.

Together, we can create communities, services and opportunities that support people not only to live longer, but to live well.

Follow the campaign on our socials and use the hashtags:

#LDWeek2026 #ARCNI
#LivingLongerLivingWell

ARC NI:

Facebook – @Association for Real Change NI    Instagram – @arc.ni    LinkedIn – @ARC Northern Ireland    X – @arcni

TILII: 

Instagram – @arc.ni_teamtilii    X – @arcni_teamTILII