Resources

What Is Disability?

Disability Matters - this session will explore the meaning of disability, including the barriers that are commonly faced by disabled people and the ways in which perceptions of disability are changing.

Hidden Disabilities Matter

Disability Matters - this session will help you realise that many disabilities are not always apparent from how someone looks or presents. Such disabilities may still have a huge impact on the individual, their family and others they meet and interact with.

Complex Conditions Matter

Disability Matters - This session aims to demystify complex conditions. A structured approach can identify the many component parts, so that each can be correctly managed as part of the holistic care plan. This can help to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Feelings Matter

Disability Matters - This session will help you realise that any person, whether they are disabled or not appreciates love, opportunity and encouragement. It will provide some insight into what being disabled feels like and how people’s reactions to disabled people can affect how they feel.

Confidence Matters

Disability Matters - This session will help us to be more confident in responding to the needs of disabled people of all ages, what they need, and who might help us find out, as we seek to offer opportunity, help and encouragement.

Acronym Guide

A terminology and acronym guide

Other Conditions & Terms

There are very many health conditions that can be associated with learning disabilities, some are common, like Down’s Syndrome, others are very rare.

A ‘syndrome’ is a collection of signs and symptoms that occur together. People with a syndrome might look more like other people with that syndrome, rather than looking like other family members.

The term ‘developmental delay’ is used a lot, but can be confusing, because ‘delay’ implies there will be ‘catch up’ at some point, which for children with a learning disability is not what happens. Children and young people with learning disabilities keep on learning, but at their own pace and do not reach the same level of functioning or understanding as other children of their age who do not have learning disabilities.

Some children may be described as having ‘global developmental delay’, which again can be confusing.

Everyone with a learning disability is unique and should have their individual needs carefully identified, described and addressed in their care plan by their education and healthcare teams.

For more information see our resources below.