People First
2007 is the European Year of Equality, but people with learning disabilities are still struggling for their rights. See the world through their eyes.
"All we want out of life is to be treated like everybody else."
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"I was institutionalised. I couldn't stick the outside world." |
"They said I'd never walk. I started walking at 10 years of age."
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"I love bingo - that's my enjoyment, my pleasure." |
Love is a universal right, so why is it still taboo for some people? |
RCT People First is the latest charity to feature on the BBC Wales website. |
Many thanks to Emma Alcock and members of RCT People First.
your comments
We're making some changes to the sites shortly and although this form will be closing, you will have other opportunities to contribute on our new-look site.
Barbara MacArthur, Cardiff
My husband and I split up before our son Howard was born. He left the city and I had no idea of his whereabouts. I didn't tell anyone that I was pregnant as I was afraid I'd lose my job. Howard was diagnosed as profoundly autistic and asthmatic and has diabetes. As a child he was hyperactive and had no sense of danger. I had to nail bars over the bedroom window because he'd climb on the sill and push against the glass. Once he butted me and chipped my two front teeth when I picked him up quickly to save him from danger. Doctors told me he was very backward' and was ‘a write-off’ - to ‘place him in an institution and forget him’. He was refused an education as he could not speak until he was 10. I always worked, there was no choice. Social security money would have been insufficient to keep Howard. He always had a large appetite and his extra large-sized clothes were expensive. In 1973 my son received an official letter saying my ex-husband had died. He'd never remarried so my son was his only relative but nothing was left except enough to pay the burial expenses. I managed to get enough cash to buy a very old house with no bathroom and an outside toilet. It took ages to clean up and get rid of the mice and cockroaches. I am proud of Howard. Many will always consider him as being a "bit odd" but he is popular and has a tremendous sense of humour. He is great company and is kind and affectionate. A few years ago we both signed on for part-time computer courses. We both became hooked and ended up signing on for a full-time course at a local college. My son became so proficient that the tutors nicknamed him "cyberjunkie". We were both thrilled to gain our computer science qualifications and continued our studies. Howard graduated from university - computer science degree. Not bad for a write-off!
Do you have a learning disability or are you related to someone who has? Do you feel you have equal rights? What's your story? Fill in the form below.
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