What we heard at AdFest 2026
In June, Llais attended AdFest, the annual conference and celebration organised by All Wales People First. All Wales People First is the national voice of self-advocacy groups for people with learning disabilities in Wales, working to ensure that people with learning disabilities have a voice, are listened to, know their rights and can influence the decisions that affect their lives. AdFest brings together people with learning disabilities, families, carers, support organisations and professionals to share experiences, celebrate achievements and discuss issues that matter most to people.
During the event, Llais spoke to people with learning disabilities, family members, carers and support organisations about their experiences of health and social care services. People shared what dignity and respect means to them, the barriers they face in everyday life and the changes they would like to see.
Their message was clear: people want to be listened to, involved in decisions, treated as adults and supported to live the lives they choose.
One of the strongest themes we heard was that being heard matters.
People told us that dignity and respect starts with being listened to, taken seriously and spoken to directly. Many felt that professionals do not always explain things clearly or involve them properly in conversations about their care and support.
“Was told 'levels are high' but not sure what this meant.”
We also heard how important choice and independence are to people.
Many wanted greater control over decisions affecting their lives, particularly around housing, support and independent living. People spoke about wanting services to recognise their aspirations and support them to achieve their goals.
One person shared:
“I have been fighting to move into independent living, but no luck even though I have been assessed to say I am ok to live independently. It doesn't seem fair.”
Another key theme was the need for clear and accessible communication.
People highlighted the importance of Easy Read information, clear explanations and having enough time to understand what is happening. Some described how appointments and annual health checks feel rushed or difficult to follow.
One person explained:
“I finally got them to send my annual health check letter to me and not my carer so that is making me feel a bit better about it. Now I want them to put the letters into Easy Read.”
We also heard concerns about access to services.
Difficulties getting GP appointments, contacting social workers and accessing support were common frustrations. Some people described feeling they had no option but to give up seeking help because services felt inaccessible or difficult to navigate.
“When I need to see the doctor you have to make an appointment but when you call there are never any appointments left so I give up.”
Many conversations focused on the importance of consistent support and trusted relationships.
Frequent changes in professionals and difficulties contacting support services left people feeling frustrated and unsupported. People told us that trust, continuity and reliability are essential to positive experiences of health and social care.
One person described their experience of working with their Social Worker like this:
“Social worker is like a nightmare in the sky, can never get hold of them. Easier to do things yourself.”
We also heard about the impact that physical environments can have on people's wellbeing.
Busy, noisy waiting rooms and crowded hospital environments were described as overwhelming and anxiety-inducing, particularly for people with sensory sensitivities or anxiety.
“I got very anxious in the waiting room – there were lots of sick people in there and it was noisy.”
Across our conversations, people spoke passionately about wanting opportunities to participate fully in their communities, including access to employment, volunteering, social activities and independent living. Many felt that practical barriers such as transport, staffing and limited local opportunities can make this difficult.
The experiences shared with us at AdFest reflect key themes within Llais' People's Principles. They will help strengthen our work to influence improvements in health and social care services, ensuring people with learning disabilities are heard, respected and supported to live the lives they choose.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to speak with us at AdFest. Your experiences, ideas and insights help shape the work we do and support our efforts to make health and social care services more inclusive, accessible and person-centred across Wales.