Innovative Climate Change Course Empowers People with Learning Disabilities

Patrick and Michael McKinney, brothers with learning disabilities, completed a pioneering UK climate change course tailored for their needs, empowering them to make sustainable choices in daily life. The training, developed by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, will expand in 2026.

Understanding Climate Change Through Engaging Activities

Bingo might not be the immediate association when considering climate change education. However, using images of ideas rather than numbers can effectively help individuals like Patrick and Michael McKinney grasp how they can contribute to addressing the issue.

The McKinney brothers, both with learning disabilities, reside in supported accommodation and have completed a climate change training course designed specifically for people with learning disabilities. This program is believed to be the first of its kind in the UK.

Their home is located in Newtownstewart, County Tyrone.

For Patrick, making environmentally conscious choices means purchasing pre-loved clothes instead of new ones.

A man with greying hair and a black jumper on holds up a sheet with words and pictures on it. He also holds a pen in his hand. In the background you can see he is sitting in a kitchen — Patrick has been buying pre-loved clothes instead of new ones

Michael, who enjoys gardening and cultivating flowers, contributes by collecting food waste to create compost.

Michael also takes responsibility for turning off the lights when they leave the house, which they travel from in their new hybrid electric car.

Patrick maintains the garden by mowing the grass and adding the clippings to the compost heap.

Both brothers assist with sorting recycling at home and use reusable water bottles when attending the gym.

Reflecting on the training, Patrick described it as "very good," highlighting discussions about animals, walking, and learning ways to make changes at home.

The brothers participated in classes over several weeks during 2025.

A man with greying hair and a black jumper sits on a sofa with his hands between his legs. On his right a grey haired man with a grey half zip sits beside him — Brothers Patrick (L) and Michael McKinney (R), in their supported living accommodation near Omagh

'Becoming a mum inspired me'

Hanna Coney, who supports the brothers through Sperrins Supported Living Services, shared her perspective. After becoming a mother last year, she found herself more conscious of the environment her child will inherit.

She initially anticipated that the training would enhance the brothers' confidence and independence but was pleasantly surprised by their enthusiastic engagement.

"The conversation of climate change can be quite a frightening topic, but I suppose for us as support workers, it's to make sure that we're not fear mongering the people we support.

And they've really taken off with it."

The training is planned to be expanded to other support services in 2026.

A young woman with red hair, which is curled and longer than shoulder length. She wears a black top and gold necklace. — Hanna Coney works with the McKinney brothers in their Sperrins Supported Living Services

'It's been empowering'

Agnes Lunny, chief executive of Positive Futures—one of the organizations involved in the project—explained that people with learning disabilities experience the effects of climate change differently.

She emphasized that developing the training in partnership with Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful helped overcome barriers faced by her members.

"They get excluded from all sorts of issues facing all citizens.

I'm not saying that that's a malicious intent, but it's just, 'oh, well, you know, it's too difficult, we can't really do it, we can't make our material accessible, we can't do it and really, they don't understand anyway'.

Well, of course they don't, if the information isn't shared and if the information that is shared is inaccessible.

So it's been incredibly empowering."

A woman with short curly blonde hair smiles at the camera. She has a black top on, earrings and red lipstick — Agnes Lunny says people with learning difficulties get excluded from all sorts of issues

What is climate change training?

Climate change training educates individuals about how their choices impact the planet and encourages them to adopt behaviors that reduce their environmental footprint.

The training is funded through the plastic bag levy and delivered by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful.

Scott Howes, the charity's Strategic Lead for Climate Action, developed the course and adapted it specifically for a special needs pilot program.

"It's as much about action as about involvement in being in the natural world," he explained.

"So they're encouraged to go out, walk in the woods, make drawings of the natural world, explore places with friends, and to come back and talk about what they've discovered.

From that, we lead into thinking about how we can impact the natural world, the damage we can do to it, and the whole range of different ways that we can reduce our impact."