Health Taster Session

 Identify what a learning disability is and what it is not.  Discuss how good communication skills will assist patients who have a learning disability and receive some of Mencaps’ tips on communication.  Understand how information can be produced in accessible formats.  Raise awareness of what may be considered reasonable adjustments for people with a learning disability accessing their GP surgery. Aims for the session Getting it right from the start - Health

Mencap’s definition says:  A learning disability is a reduced intellectual ability and difficulty with everyday activities – for example household tasks, socialising or managing money – which affects someone for their whole life.  People with a learning disability tend to take longer to learn and may need support to develop new skills, understand complex information and interact with other people.  The level of support someone needs depends on individual factors, including the severity of their learning disability. What is a learning disability? Getting it right from the start - Health

We are all different We all learn at different speeds. Everyone is their own person. A learning disability can be mild, severe or profound. A learning disability lasts all your life. It is not an illness or disease that can be cured. We are all different Getting it right from the start - Health

What does it mean to have a communication need? It describes a range of difficulties and disabilities that people may have. That may include: Not being able to express yourself Not understanding information that is said to you Not understanding information that you read. Getting it right from the start - Health

A reasonable adjustment is a change that has been made to a service so that people with learning disabilities can use them like anyone else. The law says that health services and other public services need to make reasonable adjustments. This film on Reasonable Adjustments will provide a few tips to become more inclusive: adjustments-video What is a reasonable adjustment? Getting it right from the start - Health

Accessible information or easy read information help people with learning disability:  To understand information about their health  To become more independent  Help make choices about their own health  To exercise their right to be involved in their healthcare This Easy Read Activity will help to improve your understanding of problems people with learning disability face in healthcare Why Easy Read is important Getting it right from the start - Health

1. The information is not for you 2. Don’t worry about making things too simple 3. Ask people what they think Good rules to remember Getting it right from the start - Health

Mencap’s online toolkit with lots of free templates and ‘how to’ guides for health professionals, to support you to make reasonable adjustments. A website with lots of easy read health leaflets and booklets For further information about Mencap’s work in healthcare, please get in touch with Rhea Sinha, Health Project Manager: / ph: Some Useful Resources Getting it right from the start - Health

Evaluation Thank you for your time and interest! Please take the time to fill in the evaluation form. For more information you can visit Mencap’s website, on or you can contact Mencap direct on www.mencap.org.uk Getting it right from the start - Health