The latest Big Issue was written entirely by people with learning disabilities and has been hailed as showing what can be achieved “despite many societal barriers”.
The magazine’s editors said the latest issue broke new ground by putting people with learning disabilities “at the heart of every story”.
The publication’s collaboration with charity Mencap is said to be the first ever magazine made by and featuring people with learning disabilities full-length.
Latest issue of The Big Issue (The Big Issue/PA)
Published to coincide with Learning Disabilities Week, the issue features contributions from CBeebies presenter George Webster, who has Down’s syndrome and wrote a letter to his younger self, and Paralympic swimmer Jessica Jane Applegate, who has Asperger syndrome and shares her experience of the barriers of having a hidden disability.
Paul McNamee, editor of The Big Issue, said: “People often say they want to hear the stories of those who tend to be marginalised in society.
“At The Big Issue we believe it’s important to give them a platform to tell their stories and our collaboration with Mencap is another way we do this – breaking new ground by putting this week’s Big Issue into the hands of people with learning disabilities.”
“It’s not just lip service, it’s a sincere commitment to providing a platform and offering support when needed. These incredible contributors have made our magazine so great.”
It’s so important to have a magazine like this that showcases our work, recognises us and includes us from the very beginning.
Aisha Edwards
Aisha Edwards, who has a learning disability and helped create the issue as a so-called “Mencap mythbusters”, said working on the magazine was “really fun”.
“It’s so important to have a magazine that showcases our work, recognises us and features us from the beginning,” she added.
John Sparks, chief executive of Mencap, said: “This powerful collaboration with The Big Issue will ensure that people with learning disabilities are at the heart of every story.”
“It’s been said that there is little depiction of people with learning disabilities in the media, and we’re trying to change that by working with one of the UK’s most recognised social enterprises to put their lives front and centre of every print issue.”
“The launch of The Big Issue is a stark reminder that incredible achievements can be achieved despite many societal barriers.
“We hope that this issue will inspire people to support our work and find out more about the incredible people with learning disabilities in their local area and across the UK.”
The Big Issue special edition is on sale now.