Professor Gerry Simon set up the British Institute of Learning Disabilities – now known as BILD – in 1971 because he was convinced there could be better support in the community for people with disabilities. We’ve been championing the rights of people with disabilities ever since. BILD uses the its knowledge and experience to turn research into practice, solve problems and improve support. In working with Government departments, local authorities, heath trusts, service providers and mainstream organisations, our aim is to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities. Our vision is a society where people with disabilities are equal citizens, able to enjoy the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. We endorse ethical evidence based approaches that promote human rights, inclusion in society and equality of opportunities. What we do We facilitate change, turning research, policy and evidence-based practice into practical organisational development programmes that help ensure excellent support and a better quality of life for people with disabilities. Our organisational and workforce development programmes, consultancy, conferences and publishing all contribute to supporting organisations to continually improve practice.