LEARNING DISABILITY Kevin Humphrys, Neil Jackson and Tony Gilbert Chapter 27

Introduction This presentation provides a quick refresher on the key concepts of care for those with learning disabilities. It sets out a series of questions on general, and then more specific themes, for you to investigate within your learning group. You may wish to refer back to the printed chapter for ideas and help.

Key Concepts Respect for the autonomy of people Communication with people who have a learning disability Health promotion and people with a learning disability Working with families Interdisciplinary working Definitions of disability Co-working with nurses from other disciplines Access to generic services Working through families Access to specialist services Advocacy and the development of autonomy

In your learning groups, discuss the following issues. Take time to share with the rest of the class at the end of the session. Q. How do you define a learning disability? Where can you look to find out more information? Q. What care issues are specific to those with learning disability?

Inclusion Inclusion is a major driver in the field of learning disabilities and is based on the 2001 White Paper notion of civil rights for people with learning disabilities. Q. What strategies can you identify that would help to ensure inclusion into mainstream society for a client with learning disabilities?

People with a learning disability are more vulnerable than others to exploitation and abuse. Q. Read the reports into poor Care in Cornwall and Sutton and Merton, to look at these at: What lessons can be learned from these examples that could help you assess the risk of abuse, or identify existing abuse, of a person with learning diabilities? Abuse

Multi-disciplinary working Multi-disciplinary working is particularly important for the care of those with learning disabilities, as they have care needs across the lifespan and in a range of different settings. Q. Which healthcare professionals may be involved in the care of people with learning disabilities?

Did your list include the following? Multi-disciplinary community specialist health care teams are typically made up of: Nurses for people with a learning disability A consultant psychiatrist A clinical psychologist An occupational therapist A physiotherapist A speech and language therapist A social worker who works in association with the team Q. What function would each person serve?