‘Our Time to Shine’—Development and Qualitative Evaluation of the Be a Leader Leadership Training for People With Learning Disabilities

Background

Opportunities for people with learning disabilities to develop as leaders are rare, except through self-advocacy groups. A leadership training course for people with learning disabilities in Kent- Be a Leader- was designed to address this gap.

Method

The 6-month training was co-designed and delivered to six learners with learning disabilities and their co-learners, who learnt alongside and supported them. All learners developed a vision in an area where they wanted to demonstrate leadership. Interviews with the learners and co-learners before and twice after the course sought to understand their training experiences and how it prepared them for leadership.

Findings

Six learners and three co-learners completed the course. Attendance was good throughout. The training was found to be feasible to deliver and acceptable to learners. The interviews illuminated training barriers, facilitators and potential modifications. Learners expanded their motivation to change things for themselves and their peers whilst developing an understanding of leadership qualities, actions and skills. They experienced personal learning and growth. Leadership actions were taken by creating and working on a personal vision and goals. This led to realisations that change takes time and the need to persevere in the face of setbacks.

Conclusions

People with learning disabilities aspire to be leaders and part of the change they wish to see in the world. The Be a Leader course was challenging and may benefit from being delivered in stages to support people in learning at their own pace. Service systems need to provide credible opportunities for people with learning disabilities to use their leadership skills in meaningful ways.