Hello, my name is Paul James. I have a mild learning disability and a visual impairment, as well as a health condition called Lowe Syndrome. I am going to talk to you about my experience of speed dating. I am currently single.

I was watching Coronation Street one night and they had a scene about speed dating, so it made me think – does it still happen? I searched the internet and found speed dating near me.

For anyone that does not know what speed dating is, it is a fun way to meet people you may not know. You sit and talk with one person for a few minutes, and after those minutes you get to talk with someone else. At the end of the evening, you pick who you would like to meet again, and if the same person wants to meet you too, that is called a match.

I contacted the company that was hosting the speed dating night. I said to them that I have a mild learning disability and asked if it would be OK for my support to come along, but to sit away from me. Normally the men move to each table after talking to a lady. The company was really good. They changed the rules for that night so I could stay at my table and not move. This was easier for me because I am visually impaired.

I was very nervous when I went on the night. But after I spoke to the first lady, I did not feel nervous anymore. I really enjoyed the night. I talked to some lovely ladies from different backgrounds, which was really interesting.

This was my first speed dating night. I was the only person there with a learning disability, but I did not feel any different to anyone else. I felt equal to everyone.

This really helped my confidence, as I can be shy at first when speaking to people. I have been a few times to speed dating now and I would go again. Sadly, I have not found anyone yet, but that does not matter. I still had a great time and I experienced something new.

People with a learning disability and autistic people should be seen together in places with people who do not have a learning disability or autism.

It is important that places like bingo halls, cinemas, bowling alleys, restaurants and pubs talk to people with any type of disability and find out what can make things easier. This is called reasonable adjustments.

It is also important that family and support workers talk to the people they support to find out what they would like to do in life. With the right support, people can achieve and try new things if they want to.