Conference 2025

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The 30th Anniversary of the Social History of Learning Disability (SHLD) Conference

9-10th July 2025
The Open University, Milton Keynes

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A conference about the importance of the stories, memories and histories of people with learning disabilities.

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Tickets now available!

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You can get the tickets by clicking here.

When you press ‘get tickets’ on the Eventbrite site, you can choose to book tickets for Day 1 only, Day 2 only, or for both days.

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We will have three inclusive dance companies giving a keynote presentation and workshop!

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There will also be presentations, interactive and historical exhibitions, and an array of engaging workshops!

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This is a very special event as it’s the 30th anniversary of the SHLD group.

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The conference will take place on 9th and 10th July 2025 at The Open University (Milton Keynes). 

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We hope you can join!

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People with profound learning disabilities and their families and supporters are especially welcome.

Please see this invitation for more information

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We offer a small number of free places, mostly for people with learning disabilities.

If you would like to apply for a free place either for yourself or on behalf of someone else, please email shld-conference@open.ac.uk by Friday 30th May.

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Send any questions to: Ned Redmore at Shld-conference@open.ac.uk

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We look forward to hearing from you. With best wishes, Craig, Ian, Liz and Ned

Contact us

About the Group

If you woud like to get in touch with the Social History of Learning Disability (SHLD) Research Group, please contact:

Liz Tilley 
Chair of the Social History of Learning Disability (SHLD) Research Group
School of Health, Wellbeing and Social Care
Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies
The Open University
Walton Hall
Milton Keynes
MK7 6AA

About the website

If you have any feedback or would like to report a problem with the website, please contact WELS-Research-Admin@open.ac.uk.