Celebrating Scottish Learning Disability Week with CentreStage 🎭

This week marks Scottish Learning Disability Week — a time to celebrate inclusion, raise awareness, and recognise the importance of making sure everyone has equal opportunities to thrive.

At NEST, inclusion is one of our core values, so we love to highlight the work of our partners who share this commitment. One of these partners is CentreStage, a vibrant arts organisation in Ayrshire that believes the joy of the arts should be open to everyone.

Inclusion in Action at CentreStage 🌟

CentreStage weaves inclusion into every part of what they do. This goes beyond words — it’s about creating real opportunities and removing barriers. Some of the ways they do this include:

• A sensory room designed for regulation, comfort, and relaxation.

• ASN-specific activities, ensuring young people and families have dedicated spaces that meet their needs.

• Making sure all classes are fully accessible, so that everyone can take part in performing, creating, and connecting through the arts.

Through these practices, CentreStage shows that true inclusion means designing spaces where people of all abilities feel welcome, supported, and empowered.

Working in Partnership 🤝

We’re proud to be one of CentreStage’s partners, alongside organisations such as the National Autistic Society. By working together across Ayrshire, we’re building neighbourhoods where inclusion is not just celebrated for a week — it’s part of daily life.

Why This Matters 💜

For many neurodivergent and disabled individuals, the arts can be a place of joy, belonging, and self-expression. When barriers are removed, the opportunities to shine are endless.

As Scottish Learning Disability Week continues, we’ll keep celebrating stories of inclusion and empowerment — and recognising the organisations across Ayrshire who help make it happen.