Scottish Learning Disability Week 2026
Reflection from get2gether’s Ambassadors: Here to be seen!
At get2gether, being seen is about being recognised as a valued member of the community. It is about being included in everyday life, having ordinary adult opportunities – to socialise, have relationships, a job – having a voice and being able to contribute in ways that matter to you. get2gether’s Ambassadors know this well.
Michael has been a get2gether Ambassador for a year. One of the things he loves most about his role is the opportunity to be out in public spaces, talking to members, meeting new people and connecting with the wider community.
“I love being able to be seen in public spaces, talk to the public and our members; I enjoy connecting with people. I want to grow and do things that matter to me, both personally and professionally. I hope to inspire other people with learning disabilities to be seen and not to be afraid to be seen.”- Michael, get2gether Ambassador
For Michael, being an Ambassador is also about being a role model. He wants other people with learning disabilities to see that opportunities like having a job are possible. He hopes get2gether members and other people with learning disabilities feel inspired to take on similar roles, represent organisations and have their voices heard.
Philip joined get2gether as a member in 2022 and has been successfully working as an Ambassador for the past two years.
“I am here to be seen! This is important to me, as I want members to get2gether to see things happen in our community. When I see members at events, I try to get them to connect; that is not always easy, but I try for them to see each other.”- Philip, get2gether Ambassador
“I like to entertain people; I like to be funny, help people and bring them together to have a good time. At get2gether, everybody is being seen.”- Philip. get2gether Ambassador
Philip’s words capture something important: being seen means being able to be yourself. It means bringing your personality and energy into public spaces and being welcomed there.
For Natalie, being seen is about authentic representation. They have been get2gether’s Ambassador for three years and love showing what people with disabilities can achieve when they are given the right support.
“I love being a role model, to show people with disabilities can have a job and can achieve great things when given the right support, opportunities and platform.”- Natalie, get2gether Ambassador
Natalie also loves seeing get2gether members take over mainstream spaces – going to events, trying new activities, meeting people and simply being part of everyday community life.
“We are also part of society, and we want to be seen and included, just like everyone else.”- Natalie, get2gether AmbassadorFor Natalie, disability has a deeply personal meaning:
For Natalie, this visibility has a deeply personal meaning:
“I feel seen as part of the get2gether staff team, and also as a member of the community. Being autistic, I always felt alone, but now I feel seen and counted as important.”- Natalie, get2getehr Ambassador
At get2gether, being seen isn’t something we do for one week a year. Our members meet, socialise, learn, have fun and build friendships all year round, across Edinburgh and the Lothians. Our events take place in pubs, community spaces, cafés, leisure centres, cultural venues and other mainstream places. We believe that people with learning disabilities should not have to wait for a special event to be included. They should be visible in the places everyone else enjoys. As Natalie said:
“Being seen is also about being part of everyday life. We shouldn’t be hidden away. Seeing other people like me enjoying mainstream spaces brings me so much joy. Seeing get2gether members together, being understood, and knowing that we’re all in this together – it makes me think, ‘These are my people!”- Natalie, get2gether Ambassador
And that’s why our Ambassadors matter so much. They are not just representing get2gether. They are helping to change perceptions about what people with learning disabilities can do, where they belong and the contribution they can make.
Join get2gether’s Ambassadors at the ‘Cheers to being seen!’ event on the 9th of September for this year’s Learning Disability Week. Email office@get2gether.org.uk for more information!