Annie Ferguson

What I'm good at.

I have a friendly personality and I'm good at communicating as an advocate for people with learning disabilities and autistic people, bringing their thoughts and feelings to the centre of services and research. 

I am very family oriented believing there needs to be a strong work life balance to enable good health. I’m passionate about Speakup and supported the founding of the organisation 34 years ago with Robert who is a person with lived experience and is still a paid committee member. We have learned lots of things together and our strong team tries everyday to improve services for people with lived experience. 

How I'm helping with the project.

I have over 40 years of experience in working with people with learning disabilities and autistic people. I believe that I can support the ‘voice’ of people with lived experience through this research. I’m passionate about the employment of people with learning disabilities and firmly believe in ‘Nothing about us without us.’ 

What’s important.

My colleagues are equal people and I enjoy teaching skills for independence whenever there is an opportunity for this to happen. This research by its very nature should promote equality.