Understanding Learning Disability

Understand the importance of a person centred approach when working with individuals with a learning disability.

Learners need to understand the meaning of a 'person-centred' approach. This may include:

• empowering individuals to make their own decisions and be in control of their own life
• respecting their opinions and values and individuality
• involving individuals in decision making and ensuring active participation
• empowering individuals to be as independent as possible.

Examples may include:

• talking with the individual to find out what challenges they have and finding practical solutions
• making resources available so that the individual can decide when and where they can use them
• being supportive when they need to understand, question or challenge decisions that have been made by others
• giving information about complaints procedures
• using an advocate.

Assessment Criteria

• 1.1

  Explain why it is important to recognise and value an individual with a learning disability as a person first.

• 1.2

  Describe person-centred practices that can be used when working with individuals with a learning disability.

Understand learning disability.

A definition of the term 'learning disability' may include some of the following:

• reduced intellectual ability
• difficulties with everyday activities
• take longer to learn
• difficulty understanding complex information
• may be mild or profound.

Causes of a learning disability may include:

• brain damage as a result of an injury, accident or illness
• prenatal difficulties
• difficulties at birth
• early childhood illnesses
• genetics.

The social model of disability says that disability is caused by the way society is organised rather than by a person's impairment or difference. It looks at removing barriers to ensure independence, quality of life and equality.

The medical model implies that people are disabled by their impairment and therefore need to be changed by medical or other treatments. The medical model looks at what is wrong with people rather than what the person needs. It creates low expectations and leads to loss of independence.

Language associated with the social model may include:

• adapting
• providing support
• accessibility
• independence
• provision of tools and equipment.

Using the social model in practice includes:

• getting the person involved in decision making and problem solving
• asking their opinions
• providing appropriate support, equipment, aids.

Assessment Criteria

• 2.1

  Explain what is meant by the term ‘learning disability’.

• 2.2

  Outline some common causes of learning disability.

• 2.3

  Explain how their learning disability may affect day-to-day living for individuals.

• 2.4

  Explain how attitudes to and services for people with a learning disability have changed over time.

Understand the importance of effective communication for individuals with a learning disability.

Examples of the impact of effective communication on individuals may include:

• better understanding of daily tasks
• improved quality of life
• improved level of concentration
• greater capacity to take control over their lives

Importance of using language appropriate to the age and ability of the person may include:

• better understanding and less confusion
• able to help the person progress for where they are
• builds confidence and self esteem
• reduces feelings of being patronised, under-valued

Respect for individual preferences is key to person-centred practice, allowing the individual to take control. Different methods of communication may include:

• use of digital products
• Makaton or sign language
• visual and tactile aids

Advocates support to develop to develop, confidence and knowledge to voice their concerns and make sure they are being treated appropriately. This is done by helping access information and services, explore choices and options, helping them to speak out on any issues that matter to them.

Assessment Criteria

• 3.1

  Explain the benefits of effective communication for individuals with a learning disability.

• 3.2

  Describe effective practice in:

  
  
  • communicating information to individuals with a learning disability 
  • supporting them to communicate with others, including when the individual is non-verbal.