01/11/2022

“I want readers to see that people with learning disabilities have gifts to give in different ways,” said Richard Keagan-Bull at an event in the House of Commons last week, celebrating the publication of his book.  

Shortly before Richard was born, he and his older brother Philip, now both members of L’Arche Communities, were diagnosed with a learning disability. The consultant geneticist told their parents, “Put them away, they’ll never do anything.” Fifty years later, Richard has written the story of his life, which was published by Critical Publishing in October 2022. 

It describes the remarkable journey of a boy, whose homework was impatiently thrown out of a classroom window by his headteacher, who would go on to become a teacher himself, lecturing nursing students about learning disability at Kingston University, London.   

Deeply personal and direct, Richard’s life story also has wider social and political significance. It opens a unique window into the experience of growing up and living with learning disabilities in 1970s Britain and during the decades that followed.  

A gem of a book - Mel Giedroyc 

Richard’s book is moving and funny, and it is really important … It should be read by policy makers, politicians and community leaders everywhere - Helen Hayes MP

Click below to buy your copy of Richard’s book, Don’t Put Us Away: Memories of a Man with Learning Disabilities. Use the code DPUA22 at the checkout to get a 20% discount. 

Get your copy here