Who we are

The PMLD Network is a group of people committed to improving the lives of children and adults with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD).

Here you can find out more about the network’s member organisations and why the network is so important.

British Institute of Learning Disabilities (BILD)

Keith Smith - Chief Executive

"This network exists to make sure that people with profound multiple learning disabilities and their families receive the best possible support. This is about getting a life not services."

The Challenging Behaviour Foundation

Vivien Cooper - Chair of Trustees

"The PMLD network is essential to raise the profile of people who have PMLD whose behaviour is described as challenging. This is an incredibly marginalised group of individuals who need a strong voice in order to ensure that they get the right support for a good quality of life."

The Children’s Trust, Tadworth

Val Hobbs - Deputy Head Teacher at St Margaret's School which is part of The Children’s Trust

"St Margaret's School is part of The Children's Trust, Tadworth, a national charity providing care, education and therapy to children with multiple disabilities and complex health needs and rehabilitation services to children with acquired brain injuries. Together with colleagues in the Network we strive to make sure that the needs and rights of children with PMLD are met."

Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities

Jill Davies - Research Project Manager

"The PMLD network is the one united voice that can have a major influence on the lives of people with such high support needs and their families."

Jan-net Ltd

Janet Cobb - Freelance consultant

"People with multiple disabilities often have high levels of associated health needs, the network is one forum that people can use to share specific information relating to people with multiple and complex disabilities."

Mark Gray Associates Ltd

Mark Gray - Vice Chair of BILD and National Network of Learning Disability Nursing

"I am proud to be part of the Network. My whole career has been in supporting people with Profound and Multiple Disabilities, by bringing people and organisations together like this we can give a disenfranchised group of individuals and their carers a voice and a better future."

Mencap

Beverley Dawkins - National Officer for Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities

"Mencap's been delighted to chair this network, bringing together some of the best expertise in the country around PMLD. It is important we all work together to improve the lives of people with PMLD."

PMLD Champions

Vicki Raphael - Champion for People with High Support Needs

"Families who include someone with complex needs, require support and information to minimise their isolation. The PMLD Network is an essential link, especially for helping families to navigate the mazes of legislation, policy and rights based advocacy that are a daily challenge when providing day to day care and support."

Jean Willson - Champion for People with PMLD

"Individually we can fight for the rights of people with PMLD but as a network our voice is stronger."

Rett Syndrome Association UK

Athena Pite - Support Services Manager

"People with a profound and multiple learning disability, like that of Rett syndrome, continue to be marginalised, despite the various initiatives of Valuing People. The PMLD Network is absolutely crucial in ensuring that the needs of this group are kept in the forefront of both policy makers and practitioners."

Ridgeway Partnership NHS Trust in Oxford

Jill Pawlyn - Lecturer/ Practitioner - Learning Disabilities Nursing

"The PMLD network provides me with the opportunity to work with others across the UK to tackle the health inequalities experienced by people who have a PMLD."

Scope

John Macarthy - Advocacy Development Officer, Voices Through Advocacy

"The PMLD network is important as it highlights and promotes the right of advocacy for all people with multiple impairments and additional support needs."

SeeAbililty and Look Up

Gill Levy - Information Officer, Look Up

"People with PMLD are a risk of sight and hearing problems, which compound their other difficulties. They often need help to gain access to high quality eye care and hearing care. The PMLD Network helps us take this message forward, with other key organisations, to enable people with PMLD to have a better quality of life."

Sense

Malcolm Matthews - Director of Community Support and Information

"People with profound and multiple learning disabilities often have sensory impairments and some people will be deafblind. It is so important that organisations and individuals who are committed to the full inclusion of people with PMLD work together to make sure that there is a strong voice for people with PMLD and real commitment to meeting their needs."