British Institute of Learning Disabilities (BILD)

Professor Gerry Simon set up BILD in 1971 because he was convinced there could be better support in the community for people with disabilities. We have been championing the human rights of people with disabilities ever since.

We work to develop the skills and culture necessary to understand people’s needs and improve their quality of life. Our approach applies a rigorous evidence base, broad expertise and long-standing experience to find and enable both short and long-term solutions that bring about lasting change.

Championing human rights is at the heart of all of our work. We enable, support and empower people to live the life they choose.

We help those supporting people with complex needs – including our members, universities, government departments, local authorities, NHS trusts, service providers and mainstream organisations - to champion rights, ensure excellent support and continually improve practice. We offer:

• Workforce development, accreditation and training
• Organisational development and consultancy
• Grant-funded projects to support government initiatives
• Communities of Practice, guidance publications and conferences