Within This Issue

The theme of this issue of PMLD LINK is Arts and Culture and it includes several thought‐provoking pieces. The Arts form an important part of our cultural expression and several articles focus on what needs to be done and what is being done to make them accessible to people with PMLD. Articles explore how to make theatre inclusive and appropriate and consider the rights of people with PMLD to be given genuine drama experiences. There follow pieces which set out the case for inclusive experiences in art and music. We are often challenged when thinking of ways to involve people with PMLD in cultural activities which, at first sight, seem out of their reach because of their complex intellectual and other disabilities. Yet these pieces help to illustrate how people have found creative and innovative ways of giving them time and opportunity to participate meaningfully and genuinely achieve in different spheres. People with PMLD can, and should, and should experience pleasure and fulfilment as do others in their community. This is only what we should expect from a truly inclusive society.

In October 2015 we just lost yet another key figure in the world of working with and supporting PMLD. Loretto Lambe, a member our Editorial Team, died after a long illness, bravely borne. Ironically, Loretto was due to be the editor of this issue and, indeed, edited some of the articles. The issue begins with an appreciation of her work and her legacy.

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