Why Lived Experience is at the Heart of It

The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism was created in memory of Oliver, a young man whose tragic death highlighted the urgent need for better understanding and support within health and social care. His story is not just a reminder of what went wrong, but also a powerful call for change. This training is now central to making sure that professionals across health and social care have the knowledge, awareness, and confidence to provide safe, respectful, and inclusive support.

Why is the training important?

For too long, people with learning disabilities and autistic people have faced barriers when accessing healthcare. Misunderstandings, assumptions, and a lack of awareness can have life-changing consequences. The Oliver McGowan training ensures that staff receive clear, consistent education about autism and learning disability so that care is person-centred, compassionate, and effective.

It is not just about “ticking a box.” It is about saving lives, improving trust, and building a system where everyone is treated with dignity.

The impact of lived experience

One of the most powerful aspects of the training is that it is co-delivered by people with lived experience. Hearing directly from autistic voices and people with learning disabilities makes the training real, human, and impactful in a way that no textbook or policy ever could.

When someone shares their own experiences, the challenges they’ve faced, the times they were not listened to, and the moments when kindness and understanding made all the difference—it changes how people think and act. Lived experience breaks down stereotypes and encourages empathy.

Why our voices matter

Nothing about us, without us. That simple phrase captures why autistic voices and the voices of those with learning disabilities must be at the centre of training, services, and decision-making.

Too often, people talk about us, but not with us. True inclusion means ensuring that our perspectives guide how services are designed, how staff are trained, and how care is delivered.

By listening to our voices, professionals can learn what really works and what doesn’t. They can understand how it feels to navigate services that are not always accessible. They can take away practical strategies that make a real difference in people’s lives.

Building a more inclusive future

The Oliver McGowan Training is not just a piece of mandatory education; it’s part of a broader cultural shift. A shift towards respect, equity, and compassion. By valuing lived experience, amplifying autistic voices, and ensuring people with learning disabilities are heard, we are not only improving healthcare; we are building a society that recognises and celebrates difference.

Oliver’s legacy reminds us all of the importance of listening, learning, and acting. The training is a vital step in making sure that no one else has to go through what Oliver and his family did.

Quoted from: Why the Oliver McGowan Training Matters