Pleo ReachOut CIC is pleased to announce the Ability Matters MK Conference 2025, a key gathering dedicated to empowering ethnic minority individuals and families living with disabilities. Scheduled to take place on Saturday, 22nd March 2025, from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Madgret Powell House, Midsummer Boulevard, Milton Keynes, this conference aims to spark meaningful dialogue, share lived experiences, and strengthen the support systems that shape quality of life within our communities.
At the heart of this year’s theme, “Enabling Ethnic Minority Communities Living With Disabilities: Strategies for Inclusion & Resilience Building,” is a call to action: to ensure that every person—regardless of background—has access to opportunities, dignity, and the resources needed to thrive. Disability does not exist in isolation. It intersects with culture, family dynamics, socioeconomic conditions, immigration experiences, and societal perceptions. For many ethnic minority communities, these intersections can deepen barriers to access and recognition.
Why This Conference Matters
Ethnic minority families living with disabilities often navigate complex challenges such as language barriers, limited culturally-sensitive services, stigma, and socio-economic inequalities. These experiences can make it difficult to access support, advocate effectively, or connect with community services that truly understand their realities.
The Ability Matters MK Conference provides a dedicated space for:
- Community Connection: Bringing together people with disabilities, carers, support organisations, and professionals to learn from each other.
- Knowledge Sharing: Highlighting strategies and practical tools that foster empowerment, resilience, and emotional wellness.
- Advocacy & Awareness: Challenging stereotypes and promoting inclusion in health, education, employment, and social settings.
- Partnership Building: Encouraging collaboration between community groups, service providers, and local authorities for sustainable change.
What Attendees Can Expect
This year’s conference will feature:
- Keynote Presentations from seasoned advocates and community leaders.
- Panel Discussions spotlighting lived experiences and practical insights.
- Interactive Workshops designed to strengthen resilience, self-advocacy, and community support.
- Networking Opportunities with organisations and service providers passionate about inclusion.
- Information & Resource Stations offering guidance and signposting for families and carers.
The program is structured to be welcoming, informative, and empowering. Whether you are an individual living with a disability, a carer, a community leader, or a professional in the health and social care sector, your voice is valued and needed.
Building Resilient, Inclusive Communities – Together
Real inclusion begins with listening. It begins with understanding. And it continues with collective action.
This conference is more than an event—it is part of an ongoing commitment to advocate for equitable support, elevate community voices, and ensure that ethnic minority individuals with disabilities are not only seen, but respected, supported, and celebrated.
We invite you to join us. Let’s build a future where every ability matters.
