Roadshow captures 70 years of the history of Enable

A national roadshow capturing the lives and stories of people with learning disabilities has launched to mark seven decades of campaigning for an equal society.

Enable, which supports people to live independently in the community of their choice, is being supported by The Heritage Lottery Fund to bring its exhibition ‘Our Past, My Future’ to public spaces across Scotland.

The exhibition highlights the journey of learning disabilities, changing societal attitudes as well as the personal stories of people with learning disabilities and their families throughout the years.

Marking 70 years of action and the start of Disability History month, the roadshow will next visit Glasgow Central Station’s main concourse on Saturday, 16 and Sunday, 17 November where the exhibition will be available to be seen by passers-by and a greater number of spectators.

Enable ambassador Heather Gilchrist said: “Our heritage marks Enable’s journey throughout the years since we were founded in 1954. It is important that we share our history to make a better life for people with learning disabilities today. I now work for Enable Communities and where I campaign for equal rights for everyone.”

Now in its 70th year, Enable supports people with learning disabilities and their families, employs 2,500 staff and has 12,000 campaigners and members. It has become one of the largest non-public sector employers in Scotland; actively supporting more than 13,000 people to live independently as citizens in their communities.

Key themes mapped out within the archive include changes in government legislation in relation to education, housing, deinstitutionalisation and the introduction of self-advocacy. Original archive materials such as the organisation’s first meeting minutes, historic photography, and charity literature from throughout the decades will also be on exhibit.

Lianne Williams, Director of Enable Communities, added: “It’s important for every person to be part of communities, be part of education and employment, and to be respected citizens through work, friendship and relationships. Our heritage exhibition allows us to celebrate how far we have come while continuing our commitment and journey to strive to deliver an equal society for every citizen.”

The charity has marked the 70^th anniversary throughout 2024 with a series of events including hosting the Europe in Action Conference in Glasgow in May which welcomed more than 450 delegates from 40 countries to represent the interests of more than 20 million people with learning disabilities and their families.

'Our Past, My Future', exhibition is made possible by Heritage Fund UK and special thanks to National Lottery players.