​what is SquarePeg Training?
SquarePeg Training is the name of the training and consultancy delivery from Karen Watchman. If you work in health, allied health or social care, and/or want to review the support you provide for people with a learning (intellectual) disability and dementia, then this website provides information and resources that can help you to make a positive change. Karen is a current recipient of a UKRI Healthy Ageing Catalyst award where she is supported by Zinc to translate research into a scalable product or service. New work associated with this award is currently being co-developed for the care home sector and will be available in 2024. This includes a new game co-designed with people who have a learning disability. Information about other training  options can be found on this page with a contact form to register for updates about new work or make an enquiry.
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​who is karen watchman?

Drawing on her experience as a former Chief Executive of Down Syndrome Scotland where she first worked alongside people with Down's syndrome, Karen  has developed and delivered award-winning training around the world on learning disability and dementia. Her evidence-based resources and accessible guides for people with an intellectual disability have been widely translated.

​In her role as Professor of Ageing, Frailty and Dementia at the University of Stirling Karen is an expert advisor to Alzheimer Europe, a member of the international committee of the National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices, USA, and is Secretary of the Down Syndrome Research Group for the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IASSIDD). Karen leads a research team that includes co-researchers and advisors with a learning disability and dementia. 
Instead of seeing a people with a learning disability and dementia as a square peg to be squeezed into a round hole, we need to change the shape of the hole

training options​ 

coming soon - learning disability and dementia care home champion  

This course is currently being co-developed and piloted with care home staff. To register your interest for pilot or delivery in 2024 please complete the above contact form.

coming soon​ - Knowing Me, Knowing You

This game, co-designed with people with a learning disability, aims to support new friendships following a change in accommodation. This resource will be included as part of the above care home training course. It will also be available to purchase separately as a standalone product. To be advised of when this available please submit the contact form.

learning disability and dementia - online one-day course

Find out more about this online course here and submit the contact form above if you are interested in attending a future delivery.

bespoke training

please contact Karen if you or your organisation would like to discuss face to face or online training in learning disability and dementia. 

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©Karen Watchman 2021-2023