Don't Put Us Away

A unique, honest and powerful account of what it is like to grow up with learning disabilities in the UK.

An ordinary man has written an extraordinary book. Richard Keagan-Bull has learning disabilities. He struggles to read and write, but he has dictated his life story to his friend-turned-secretary Hazel Bradley. It is written exactly as he speaks – not necessarily grammatically correct, but with a unique directness and power.

Richard tells the story of growing up in 1970s England and living through the decades where people with learning disabilities were increasingly given a voice. It is a story of finding your place in a world that is not always welcoming, but also of finding friends. Starting with his birth when his mother was told he would never do anything, and his early years, when he was rubbished by the headmaster who threw his schoolwork out of the window, he ends his book almost half a century later, when the boy who would never do anything landed a job at a university as a researcher. Chapters include details of his years living in the L’Arche community, where he found real friends and a sense of belonging. He has travelled the world in his role as self-advocate and reflects on the place of people with learning disabilities everywhere.

This book is unique and important because it is written so clearly and entirely from an insider’s perspective. Richard writes about serious subjects with a very light touch. His book is simultaneously funny and profound. It will be of interest to anyone who wishes to gain an extremely rare insight into the life of a person with learning disabilities, in a voice that is so completely his own.

This is an honest and at times poignant book filled with humour. Richard’s stories of love and international travel, of finding meaningful work and true belonging are gripping. I couldn’t put it down…

Baroness Sheila Hollins

It has been an absolute privilege to get to know Richard since I was elected as his MP in 2015, he is a truly remarkable man with a very special gift of advocacy. Richard’s book is moving and funny, and it is really important. Far too often the voices of disabled people are overlooked and ignored by those who make decisions that affect them. Richard writes so clearly about his extraordinary life, and in doing so he speaks powerfully about the experiences of disabled people and the importance of creating a society where everyone is valued, cherished and supported. This book should be read by policy makers, politicians and community leaders everywhere.

Helen Hayes, Member of Parliament for Dulwich and West Norwood

“It is a sign of true progress that Richard’s memoirs have found their way into an utterly charming book. Richard is a one off. Yes, he describes himself as having ‘learning disabilities’ whatever that may mean, but he has never allowed that label to stand in the way of a good life and an influential one. Don’t expect a story of setbacks and struggles. They are there but Richard almost dances his way through life, finding pleasure and humour wherever he finds himself. Searching for ways to describe Richard, I landed on two words. Pragmatic and quirky… Do try and read this book. Richard’s distinctive voice shines through what is a cracking good read.”

Jan WalmsleyFounder of Jan Walmsley Associates

Richard Keagan-Bull is a much travelled man known for his powerful self-advocacy for people with learning disabilities. Famous for his sense of humour and his ability to name things as they are, he does not hesitate to speak his mind to those in power! He is a long-term member of L’Arche, a community which provides him with support and friendship. He was included in the 2021 Shaw Trust Disability Power List of the 100 most influential disabled people in the UK. Richard currently works as a research assistant at Kingston University.

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