Mencap's Snap! competition

Gaynor Wright: This is my son Jordan, who has cerebral palsy, enjoying a swim in a jacuzzi. When he was younger, he hated the water and was very frightened by it. However, by introducing him to warm water gradually, as you can see, he now loves it Photograph: Gaynor Wright/Mencap

Tim Thackeray: Music is quite relaxing. I have my own instrument now. I love anything from Simply Red to Dancing Queen and the Hokey Cokey. I love to sing along to the radio when I'm out in my car. Music helps me with my co-ordination and keeps my mind active. I am part of the Panama Hat orchestra. Music can change my mood – make me feel happy or sad. I feel alive when I'm playing after learning a new tune. I love music, I have rhythm. My life is a song that I love to sing Photograph: Tim Thackeray/Mencap

Charlotte Morse: My son Ben has Down's syndrome and you just can't stop him dancing! But for Semedho, this was a first! Last summer our two families went on holiday together in France where there was a festival of world music and dance. Ben was always the first on the dance floor; he just loves dancing, but it was wonderful to see Ben supporting and encouraging Semedho to dance and giving him the courage to join in the festivities Photograph: Charlotte Morse/Mencap

Tim Brock: The two lads are both severely autistic. While both are real characters, they are often both very isolated and live in their own worlds. However, on a cold January day they both found a lot of pleasure on this bike during a break at school Photograph: Tim Brock/Mencap

Dean Mostafa: I think it's a good picture because, like, it's kinda gooey. The picture looks like it's melting through the silver – the window shows a view behind Photograph: Dean Mostafa/Mencap

Grace and Ella: My sister and I have so much fun together / We are a cheeky pair :o) / Have a look at our reflection / You'll find us everywhere Photograph: Jane Smith/Mencap

Andrew Finlayson: Meet Georgia, four years old, enjoying a family bike ride. That's mum, Tracey, and sister, Jade, behind her. She's had pulmonary stenosis corrective surgery. She's had a hearing operation. Last year on Christmas Eve, she lost control in one arm with stroke symptoms (which returned on Christmas Day – we don't know why). She's cautious and cannot walk far without falling. She wears glasses but they may not help. She can't talk. She lacks dexterity to learn sign language. We have no diagnosis. All just noise really ... Photograph: Andrew Finlayson/Mencap

Jessie Myers: This is me looking gorgeous and proud in my new school uniform. We were having a practice before starting big school in a whole two weeks Photograph: Jessie Myers/Mencap

Luke woods: That's me doing my job for the first time, doing my training. I find it interesting. Judith is training me and I like working with her. She's a nice lady – it's very good. It's my first job. I enjoy it and I like the money as well! Photograph: Luke woods/Mencap

Christopher Diedo: I feel happy and excited when I visit the seaside – it's where I can run and train on the beach, throw stones and make footprints in the sand. I took this picture because I saw a really big puddle in the sand. The tide was out but this water was trapped Photograph: Christopher Diedo/Mencap

Sean has learning difficulties and attends Sandside Lodge School, which is a special school. We went for a walk in the woods and Sean stopped to have a rest, so I took his picture Photograph: Karen Boydel/Mencap

Nicola Johnson: We have just signed the register and Darrell's cousin and all my nieces look so pretty. I am wearing a pearl necklace and bracelet that Darrell gave me. We feel so happy and excited. It was 6 September 2008 – a day I will always remember Photograph: Nicola Johnson/Mencap

Grace: Who knows what the future holds for any of us? I like dressing up and playing doctors and nurses. I don't know what I will achieve in my life, but I hope to surprise you Photograph: Jane Smith/Mencap

Simon Street: As I look into your eyes I see my beautiful daughter who has brought so much happiness to our family. Despite the challenges that Down's syndrome brings, my dear Grace, I wouldn't change you for the world Photograph: Jane Smith/Mencap