The residents at Pant Yr Odyn, in Llandybie, are going all out to celebrate this year’s Learning Disability Week – and prove that you can still live well, whatever challenges you might face.
That’s the theme of #LDWeek 2023, busting myths about living life with a learning disability.
And that’s certainly the approach taken by the residents and staff down at the South Wales supported living service.
In the last few weeks Simon has got to enjoy a day out on a specially adapted bike, Taran and Keir have had a dip in the hydropool and Tom has been swimming.
Meanwhile, Andrew has been for a stroll in the park, Jake has done a spot of gardening and Nathan has turned his hand to pottery (among several other past times!)
Phew!
Service Manager Marta Nowak explained what the key was to helping people with a learning disability live well.
She said: “It’s all about listening to the people we support, and their families – taking the time to find out what really makes them tick, what their passions are and then making those experiences possible.
“We have an ethos here at Swanton that ‘Every Moment Matters’ and it really does – it’s not just a slogan it’s a mission that we live by each and every day.
“As you can see by the multiple activities that have taken place here over the last few weeks, life should still be lived to the full, whatever obstacles people may face. They key really is to listen first, everything flows from that approach.”
And the fun is far from over at Pant Yr Odyn.
Next up this week the residents are heading to the nearby Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo where there’ll be plenty of animal feeding, rides and laughter!
Marta added: “While Learning Disability Week this year is all about busting myths, it’s something we aim to do all year round – and that will never stop!”
