top of page
All Posts


Why Nnena Kalu’s Win Is So Important
At Empower OT, we are celebrating Nnena Kalu, the first artist with a learning disability to win the Turner Prize 2025. This is more than a personal achievement — it is a powerful moment for representation, inclusion, and justice for people with learning disabilities and autism. Research shows that: - Only 6% of adults with learning disabilities in the UK are in paid employment. - Autistic people are less than half as likely to be employed as the general population. - Many
Grainne Lydon
Dec 101 min read
🌟 FREE Sensory Needs Training – In Person or Online 🌟 Midlands & Warwickshire | Empower OT
🌟 FREE Sensory Needs Training – In Person or Online 🌟 Midlands & Warwickshire | Empower OT I’m looking for schools and residential settings who would benefit from a free 60 minute long sensory needs training session as I grow Empower OT services. The session includes: 🧠 A clear overview of sensory processing (including the hidden senses) 🛠️ Practical, easy-to-use strategies for staff 🏫 Guidance on creating sensory-aware environments Training can be delivered in person or
Grainne Lydon
Nov 221 min read


Ear Defenders Aren’t the Problem — Misunderstanding Is
Today’s comments from Reform UK’s deputy leader about children with SEN have raised some important conversations as well as some real concerns. At Empower OT, we work with schools every day to create environments where children with additional needs can genuinely thrive. So when public figures describe things like ear defenders as “insane” or imply that neurodivergent children are being “overdiagnosed,” it’s important to pause and reflect on what actually matters: children’s
Grainne Lydon
Nov 182 min read
bottom of page