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Beyond Barriers:
Inclusion, Rights, Action

On 5th November 2025, more than 100 people who have intellectual disabilities came together at the Beyond Barriers service user conference.

We shared our views on the things that matter most in our lives, including work, education and relationships. We spoke about what works well, the barriers we face, and what needs to change.

Sharing what we learned

This page brings together the videos from the conference and clear summaries of the key learnings from the group discussions. These insights are helping us to move beyond barriers and are directly shaping Kare's next organisational strategy.

We are also sharing these learnings so others can see what we spoke about on the day, reflect on how it resonates with their own work, and consider how it may apply within their own lives and organisations.

EASY READ SUMMARY

Download an Easy Read summary here, or use the arrows to click through the slides. 

Scroll down the page to watch videos of each conference session and read more detail about what was discussed and learned.

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Easy Read conference summary

Welcome to the conference

This video captures the opening of the conference, with introductions from:​

  • David Leigh, Chairperson of Voice for Kare

  • Margaret O'Neill, CEO of Kare

  • Matthew Behan, Chairperson of Kare's Board of Directors.

They explain the background of the conference, the importance of listening to service users' voices, and how it will help to shape what comes next.

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Welcome to the conference

The Imaginary Country exercise

This video introduces the 'Imaginary Country' exercise, which was used throughout the day to facilitate discussion. 

After each session, we worked together at our tables to imagine how the topic would work in an ideal country. We shared our views, discussed what matters most, and recorded what would need to change to make life better and more inclusive.

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The Imaginary Country exercise

Topic 1: Accessibility and Assistive Technology

VIDEOS OF PRESENTATIONS

KEY LEARNINGS FROM GROUP DISCUSSIONS

Accessibility and assistive technology (AT) support independence, dignity, safety and participation – they are not optional extras. 

ACCESSIBILITY IMPACTS
EVERYDAY LIFE

It determines whether people can: 

  • Leave their home

  • Understand information

  • Travel independently

  • Feel safe, respected and included

TRANSPORT CAN LIMIT INDEPENDENCE

  • Buses/trains are not reliably accessible

  • Ramps may be missing, broken or staff-dependent

  • Footpaths, crossings and bus stops can be unsafe or unclear

  • Travel info and timetables are hard to read/understand

INFORMATION MUST

BE CLEARER

  • Public information (signs, menus, forms, websites) is often inaccessible

  • Easy Read should be standard, not an extra

  • ​Pictures, symbols, videos and plain English support understanding

AT SUPPORTS

INDEPENDENCE

  • Tablets and larger screens to read

  • Voice assistants for reminders/routines

  • Safer home equipment and easy-to-use controls

  • Smart locks, alarms and doorbells

  • Voice-to-text and communications apps

BARRIERS ARE COST,

AWARENESS AND SUPPORT

Tech solutions are often underused because:

  • People do not know what is available

  • Training and ongoing support are limited

  • Equipment can be expensive

  • AT is not treated as an essential support

RESTRICTED ACCESS 

TO PUBLIC SPACES

  • 'Accessible' toilets are often unsuitable

  • Changing Places facilities are limited

  • Inaccessible buildings stop people from going out

  • Staff attitudes/lack of understanding create more barriers

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Accessbility and AT

Topic 2: Employment

VIDEO OF PRESENTATION

KEY LEARNINGS FROM GROUP DISCUSSIONS

Employment is about rights, independence, belonging, wellbeing and quality of life. 

EMPLOYMENT IS
A RIGHT

It should be: 

  • Fair and inclusive

  • Properly paid

  • Meaningful, not tokenistic

  • Based on choice, including hours, role and career path

MONEY MEANS INDEPENDENCE

  • Equal pay for equal work

  • Wages paid directly to individual

  • Having money supports freedom, choice, confidence

  • Need education on money, savings, pensions, benefits

WORK ENHANCES
WELLBEING

  • Gives purpose and routine

  • Builds confidence and self-esteem

  • Supports good mental health

  • Sense of being valued and trusted

  • Creates friendships and feeling of belonging

HAVING THE RIGHT
SUPPORTS

The right support helps people to succeed:

  • Job coaches

  • Help with interviews and finding work

  • Support to learn tasks and settle in

  • Gradually reduce support over time

CAREERS,
NOT JUST JOBS

Opportunities to grow:

  • Training and learning

  • Easy Read and accessible training

  • Qualifications and career pathways

  • Promotion and pay progression

  • Jobs linked to interests, skills and goals

ACCESSIBILITY IS
CRITICAL

Barriers prevent people from working:

  • Inaccessible workplaces and information

  • Limited disability awareness

  • Unsuitable or insufficient transport

  • Lack of travel training

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Employment

Topic 3: Friendship

VIDEO OF PRESENTATION

KEY LEARNINGS FROM GROUP DISCUSSIONS

Friendship, kindness, respect and inclusion are essential to wellbeing, belonging and everyday life.

KINDNESS AND RESPECT
EVERYDAY

Every day behaviour, not the exception:

  • Bullying and aggression are not acceptable

  • Calm, kind language makes a difference

  • Respecting people’s boundaries, privacy and beliefs is important

SMALL ACTIONS MAKE
A DIFFERENCE

  • Saying hello and goodbye matters

  • Smiling, eye contact and small chats help people feel included

  • Being welcoming to new people is important

  • Making time for others helps build connection

INCLUSION AND BELONGING
ARE KEY

  • No one should be left out

  • Everyone should feel welcome in groups and communities

  • Being part of something builds confidence and wellbeing

  • Inclusion should be agreed and supported by everyone

LOOKING OUT FOR
EACH OTHER

Emotional support is important:

  • Checking in when someone seems upset

  • Listening and offering comfort

  • Being there for friends during difficult times

  • A smile or kind word changing someone’s day

COMMUNITY
CONNECTION

Friendship goes beyond close relationships:

  • Being a good neighbour

  • Helping others with small tasks

  • Volunteering in the community

  • Spending time together in social spaces

SAFETY, TRUST AND
SPEAKING UP

Feeling safe is part of positive friendship:

  • It is important to speak up if something is not right

  • People should tell a trusted person if they are worried

  • Respect and consent matter in all relationships

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Friendship

Topic 4: Education

VIDEO OF PRESENTATION

KEY LEARNINGS FROM GROUP DISCUSSIONS

Education should support the equality, independence, wellbeing and lifelong learning of each individual.

EDUCATION IS A RIGHT FOR EVERYONE

Education is a basic right, not a privilege.

  • Everyone has the right to education at all stages of life

  • Education should be free and open to all

  • People should be able to go to college if they choose

INCLUSION IS
CRITICAL

  • Inclusive schools and colleges for all types of abilities

  • Learning environments based on kindness and respect

  • Teaching that includes everyone, not just some people

ACCESSIBILITY ENABLES LEARNING

Inclusive learning is only possible with:

  • Accessible building and facilities

  • Accessible transport 

  • Communication supports for people with impairments

  • Assistive technology available to support learning

MUST BE EASY TO UNDERSTAND

  • Easy Read materials should be widely available

  • Learning is more than just books

  • Visual, audio and practical supports help all to learn

  • Information should be clear, simple and explained well

CHOICE AND FLEXIBILITY
ARE KEY

Education should suit the individual:

  • There should be choice in what and how to learn

  • Options for online, classroom and practical learning

  • Small groups where possible

  • Link learning to personal goals 

SUPPORTING FUTURE INDEPENDENCE

Educational options should support: 

  • Life skills e.g. cooking, money, decision-making

  • Mental health and wellbeing

  • Skills for employment

  • Confidence, independence and personal goals

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Education

Topic 5: Relationships and dating

VIDEO OF PRESENTATION

KEY LEARNINGS FROM GROUP DISCUSSIONS

Education should support the equality, independence, wellbeing and lifelong learning of each individual.

RELATIONSHIPS
ARE A RIGHT

  • Everyone has the right to relationships, dating and love

  • People should be free to choose who they date

  • People have the right to marry and have families 

  • Support should enable choice, not restrict it

SAFETY MUST
COME FIRST

  • First dates in public places, and always let someone know 

  • Having a mobile phone and emergency contacts is important

  • If something feels wrong, it is okay to leave and ask for help

ONLINE SCAMS
ARE AN ISSUE

  • Fake profiles and scams are common

  • Never share personal information online or send money 

  • Trusted apps and clear reporting systems are important

  • Blocking and stopping contact should be easy

CONSENT AND

BOUNDARIES ARE KEY

Healthy relationships are based on respect :

  • Consent must always be asked for and respected

  • It is okay to say no

  • Boundaries should be clear and honoured

  • Pressure and coercion are not acceptable

EDUCATION BUILDS CONFIDENCE

Need for information:

  • Education about relationships, dating

  • Online safety and scam awareness training

  • Guidance on using dating apps

  • Clear, accessible information in Easy Read and video formats

SUPPORT MAKES DATING SAFER

Strong support networks are essential: 

  • Support from friends, family, staff and keyworkers

  • Someone to contact if something goes wrong

  • Help with transport to dates

  • Support during break-ups

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Relationships and dating
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