To celebrate Disability Pride Month 2024 we passed the mic to our candidates – young people with learning disabilities – and asked them to answer why they’re “Proud To Be Me”. They then submitted a selection of photos and quotes to appear across Team Domenica’s Facebook, X and Instagram throughout July. Read on to see what they had to say…

Why are you “Proud To Be Me”?

First up is Olly who has just completed his first year with us at Team Domenica and will be moving onto our Supported Internship Programme come September. As well as being a kind and generous person, Olly is also a keen swimmer. You can listen to him describe his time at Great Lengths here.

When we asked Olly what makes him proud, he said: “I am proud of how I make people laugh and smile. I am proud of being part of my swimming and drama groups. And I’m proud to have a Mum and Dad and Nan that love me lots.”

We also asked a number of our other young people to contribute their thoughts. Molly said:

I am proud of my family. Proud I am learning to drive and proud of strength. Proud of my art.

Molly, Team Domenica Candidate

We can feel pride in many different ways

We should all be proud of who we are, and how far we’ve come. Not every success is tangible and “Proud to Be Me” is about celebrating all of our achievements – be them big, small or anything in between.

Since join us in 2022, Brad has grown into astrong and confident young man. In his opinion, the friendships he’s built over the last two years are some of his biggest accomplishments. He says: “I’m proud of being a good friend”

Similarly, first-year candidate Will said: “I’m proud of myself for now being able to think about my strengths and weaknesses”. And Chris explained…

I’m proud of being at Team Domenica, doing activities with staff and friends and being at home with my family and dog Snoopy

Disability Pride at Team Domenica

For many of our young people, their progress at Team Domenica is a source of pride. Lucy, for example, said: “I’m proud to be me for coming to Team Dom every day, seeing my lovely friends every day. I’ve learnt so much [like] working in cafés.

I really enjoy being able to remember so much. How to make coffees, latte art, baking. I enjoy working as a group too. Team Domenica has been so lovely and enjoyable. I am proud of myself for that.”

I’m proud to be learning to make coffees and baking at my Café Rust work placement. I am an amazing aunt to my niece. I am [a] good friend.

Fatima, Team Domenica Candidate

Team Domenica’s Enrichment provision focuses on building our young people’s confidence and self-belief through team-based activities. This support allows our candidates to explore their passions, build friendships and see their full potential.

When Katie first joined our Supported Employment Programme, she was often reluctant to get involved. However, despite initially finding break-dancing hard, she found that it grew on her once she gave it a go. In fact, she was really great at it and even choregraphed her own dance routine which she performed to her friends. When asked about her achievement she said: “I’m proud of overcoming looking silly in different activities and I enjoyed it” 

Team Domenica candidate Jared had a similar experience at cricket: “I am super good at cricket, and I want to join a cricket club to become a better pro.”

Disability Pride Month 2024

“Proud to Be Me” has been all about celebrating what makes our candidates feel proud. In sharing their achievements, our young people have demonstrated their talent, tenacity and triumphs. And, as Disability Pride Month comes to a close, all we can say is that Team Domenica are extremely proud to be a part of their stories too…

I’m proud of being more independent and having confidence in myself. Thanks to Team Domenica I’ve come from a shy, [reclusive] girl to becoming an active team player who can talk to other people and friends without feeling scared or embarrassed.

Team Domenica Candidate

We want to say a huge thank you to all the candidates who contributed to “Proud To Be Me 2024”. If you’d like to support our young people on their journey to employment, please consider signing up to our swim challenge or donating here.