Local disabled individuals who attend Learning Curve RCT – Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s daytime opportunities service for adults with learning disabilities – are putting Welsh heritage centre stage with a programme of creative workshops delivered by Forget-Me-Not Productions. Supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project makes heritage and performing arts hands-on and accessible for adults with learning disabilities – using AAC, eyegaze and adaptive instruments to ensure that everyone can take part in a way that suits them.
Artists Clary Saddler, Shevaughn Georgiou, Sue Lewis, and Mel Saddler – joined by Word Groove Collective artists Mr X and Gavin Clifton – have been working with Learning Curve centres across Rhondda Cynon Taf at Gadlys, Ty Draw and Llwynypia.
The project is set out in three phases. Phase One, delivered throughout December, culminated in a community performance of The Welsh Christmas Caper in Talbot Green. The performance combined live theatre with filmed ‘One Show’-style features created by participants from each Learning Curve centre, who acted as presenters, storytellers, musicians, dancers, or characters from Welsh folklore and pantomime.
Phases Two and Three are now underway, continuing through to May 8, when families, carers, and the wider community will come together for a celebration event and performance. Workshops in these later phases introduce participants to a range of creative activities, encouraging them to work on documentaries, podcasts, animations, interviews, and heritage-based activities.
Participants are exploring Mari Lwyd, Plygain carols, Noson Gyflaith, Calennig and traditional Welsh foodways. Sessions mix drama, music, AAC storytelling, inclusive instruments, cooking, and filmed pieces – helping individuals to explore and gain new skills in communication, teamwork and coordination, as well as exploring Welsh pride and culture through heritage and tradition.
For the Council, it is a practical example of inclusive, person-centred support in action – with co-produced sessions in community settings, and staff and artists adapting the offer around everyone’s unique strengths and needs. It also shows how targeted funding – like the National Lottery Heritage Fund – can unlock access to specialist kit and expertise, leaving a legacy of skills for participants.
Andrew White, Director, The National Lottery Heritage Fund for Wales, said: "This project shows exactly what can be achieved when creativity, heritage and inclusivity come together. Thanks to National Lottery players, we’re delighted to support this initiative which empowers adults with learning disabilities with the tools, confidence and space to share their voices."
Clary, Co-founder of Forget-Me-Not Productions, said: “For Forget-Me-Not Productions, this project is about people recognising themselves in Welsh culture. When participants use their own voices, whether spoken, signed or via assistive technology, to share Welsh traditions, heritage becomes something they own, not something that happens around them. That’s what inclusion looks like to us and it changes everything.”
Councillor Gareth Caple, Cabinet Member for Health & Social Care, said: “This fantastic community project showcases the Council’s values in action – co-produced, person-centred, and rooted in our local communities.
“Through sessions at our Gadlys, Ty Draw, and Llwynypia Learning Curve centres, participants are shaping stories with AAC, eyegaze, and inclusive instruments - exploring podcasts, documentaries, interviews, dancing and music as they bring Welsh heritage to life.
“This support adapts to each individual, enabled by specialist kit made possible by funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Working with local adults with learning disabilities in this way helps them to build new skills, confidence, and connection.
“A big thank you to Forget-Me-Not Productions, the Word Groove Collective, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and our brilliant Learning Curve staff, families, and participants for their efforts in this project. I look forward to seeing how it progresses over the coming months.”
The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s vision is for heritage work to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone. As the largest funder for the UK’s heritage, they support projects that connect communities to heritage in meaningful ways.
For more information, please visit: heritagefund.org.uk
Forget-Me-Not Productions enable people with complex physical and cognitive disabilities to participate independently in creative projects through inclusive arts and assistive technology. They believe everyone has the right to express themselves creatively, regardless of their circumstances. Their work includes:
- Inclusive arts workshops for children and adults with complex disabilities
- Training, consultancy, and assessments in arts, education, health, and more
- A mobile recording studio for disabled musicians, actors, and filmmakers
- Research and development into assistive technology and inclusive arts practices.
For more information, please visit their website: Forget-Me-Not-Productions - Making the Arts Accessible for All
Word Groove Collective is a songwriting team led by Clary Saddler (Forget-Me-Not Productions) and Gavin Clifton (aka The Disabled Writer) and is made up of both disabled and non-disabled songwriters and musicians. They offer songwriting sessions shaped with and for disabled people, including those who are non-verbal, use AAC, or have physical access needs.
For more information, you can find them online: Facebook | Soundcloud | TikTok
Learning Curve RCT is Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s learning disability support service. They provide daytime opportunities for adults with a learning disability, enabling them to learn, create, and connect through inclusive activities and community projects.
For more information, please visit our website: Learning Disabilities | Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council
Posted on 23/03/2026