Challenging ageism and ableism through photography

Like any kind of discrimination, ageism can happen in big, obvious ways and in smaller, day-to-day interactions. It also does not affect everyone equally and research shows that being disabled can make a person more likely to experience ageism. 

In the face of stereotypes and assumptions, how can we celebrate the diverse interests and contributions of older people with learning disabilities? Future Directions told us more about the photography exhibition they hosted to mark our Action Day.

The Action Day is a chance for individuals and communities, workplaces, friends and families to learn, take action and help change the way we think about ageing. In 2024 the theme was ‘See and Be Seen’.

Future Directions is a not-for-profit social care provider for people with complex needs in Greater Manchester. Their photography exhibition aimed to challenge negative stereotypes and make discrimination faced by older people with learning disabilities visible.

The exhibition showcased photographs of people with learning disabilities aged over 50 living in Greater Manchester, sharing positive aspects of their lives, their contributions to local communities, and barriers affecting them. As well as photographs, the exhibition included poetry, artwork and knitting. 

The diverse range of submissions were chosen by a small group of older people with lived experience of learning disabilities. They narrowed entries down to forty images, which showed older people with learning disabilities doing activities they enjoy, such as reading, fishing and knitting, working, volunteering, going on holiday, as well as relationships and personal achievements. 

Why representation of older people with learning disabilities matters

The free exhibition was hosted at a local café and community hub managed by Future Directions. The launch event, with speeches, songs, poems and socialising, provided opportunities for people to reflect on why representation and ‘being seen’ is important.

Daniel Docherty, a member of the Future Directions experts by experience group gave a speech to open the exhibition. He talked about the Greater Manchester GOLD research that explored what is important to older people with learning disabilities living in the area. The exhibition was inspired by the research findings and a desire to help overcome some of the barriers and negative attitudes reported by people who took part. Many of the older people with learning disabilities who carried out the research also attended the exhibition. 

Melanie Chapman, Project Manager at Future Directions, explained that ‘Older people with learning disabilities face a “double jeopardy”: discrimination as disabled people and ageism. Many people hold negative stereotypes and prejudices about learning disability. People with learning disabilities experience discrimination throughout their lives: they are less likely to go to mainstream education, be in paid work, or have intimate relationships. As people grow older, they also experience ageism: from society, services and communities.’ 

Through a positive, realistic reflection of ageing, the exhibition challenged ageist and ableist stereotypes. Melanie said, “People who took part felt proud and valued. The exhibition demonstrates to people that, whatever their age, older people with learning disabilities can live great lives within their local communities and make valuable contributions. It showed younger people with learning disabilities that they will be able to live great lives as they grow older. Hopefully the exhibition will have raised awareness that older people with learning disabilities have a range of different life stories and experiences.”

Photos from two wedding ceremonies featured in the exhibition and one couple, Eric and Lesley, came to see the exhibition. Eric said, “Lesley was happy going to the café for the first time. It was a lovely way to celebrate our first anniversary, and I treated her to a lovely scone. We also got given matching Riverbeal café hats and scarfs as an anniversary gift.”

Future Directions estimated that over 200 people from a wide range of ages and backgrounds saw the exhibition, which was so positively received that it was displayed at the café for longer than the original October 2024 end date.

If you want to find out more about how you can take part in our next Age Without Limits Day (11 June 2025) don’t forget to sign up to our Age Without Limits newsletter or follow us on social media! 

Back to Host an event.