A learning disability is a reduced intellectual ability. It affects the way a person learns new things throughout their life.
A learning disability is different for everyone. No two people are the same.
A person with a learning disability might have some difficulty:
- understanding complicated information
- learning some skills
- looking after themselves or living alone
Learning difficulty vs learning disability
Learning disability is sometimes confused with learning difficulties (such as dyslexia or ADHD). A learning difficulty is a type of Special Education Need, which affects areas of learning, such as reading, writing, spelling, mathematics etc.
A learning disability is different from a learning difficulty as a learning difficulty does not affect general intellect.
Here is a video that explains the difference: https://youtu.be/QMj6Nogrylo
What having a learning disability can mean
A learning disability is different for everyone. Lots of people who have a learning disability can work, have relationships, live alone and get qualifications.
Other people might need more support throughout their life.
Learning disability Health checks
Anyone over the age of 14 years, who is on their doctor’s learning disability register can have an annual health check.
An annual health check can help you stay well by talking to a doctor or nurse about your health and finding any problems early, so they can be sorted out.
You do not have to be ill to have a health check – in fact, most people have their annual health check when they are feeling well.
If you are worried about seeing a doctor, or there is anything they can do to make your appointment better, let the doctor or nurse know.
For more information on Learning disability health checks see the video or easy to read leaflet below.
Do you care for someone with learning disabilities?
Click on this link for an accessible leaflet about how Nottinghamshire Police are able to give support to people with learning disabilities to help them keep safe.
Here is a short video about accessing cervical screening with the right support for people with a learning disability.
Here are some useful links:
Mencap, charity for supporting people with learning disabilities: https://www.mencap.org.uk/
HFT, one of the largest and longest-established charities supporting people with learning disabilities: https://www.hft.org.uk/
Reach, a registered charity dedicated to supporting people with learning disabilities in Nottinghamshire: URL: https://reachuk.org/
Learning Disability England, a membership organisation where members work together to build a world where people with learning disabilities have good lives with equal choices and opportunities as others: https://www.learningdisabilityengland.org.uk/
MacIntyre, providing learning, support and care for more than 1,200 children, young people and adults who have a learning disability and/or autism: https://www.macintyrecharity.org/
People First, a national user-led self-advocacy organisation, for and run by people with learning difficulties, learning disabilities and autistic people: https://www.peoplefirstltd.com/
We also have a page dedicated to carers on this website here.