Understand and Support Those with Learning Disabilities
CT263 Understand the context of supporting individuals with Learning Disabilities
1.1 People with learning disabilities are more vulnerable than other people; they are affected by certain laws. There isn’t one law or Act which covers their situation, but they may be affected by laws concerning: * Education * Voting rights * Ownership of property * Guardianship * Control of finances * Consent to sex
In the United Kingdom, specific legislation that affects people with learning disabilities include: * Disability Discrimination Act * Mental Health Act * Community Care Act * National Health Services Act
1.2 The laws and policies help to ensure that any person with a disability receives fair treatment, is not judged or discriminated against because of their disability. It affects their day to day living by: * Ensuring their voice is heard * Ensuring they receive appropriate care * Ensuring they can make their own choices * Making them aware of their rights and entitlements * Ensuring they are not discriminated against * Protecting them from harm, abuse and injustice
2.1 Mencap defines ‘Learning Disability’ as a reduced intellectual ability and difficulty with everyday activities – for example household tasks, socialising or managing money – which affects someone for their whole life.
2.2 A learning disability occurs when the brain is still developing - before, during or soon after birth. * Before birth things can happen to the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) that can cause a learning disability. A child can be born with a learning disability if the mother has an accident or illness while she is pregnant, or if the unborn baby develops certain genes. Genes are chemicals in our bodies that contain information about us - like how we look. * A person can be born with a learning disability if he or she does not get enough oxygen during childbirth, or is born too early. *
1.1 People with learning disabilities are more vulnerable than other people; they are affected by certain laws. There isn’t one law or Act which covers their situation, but they may be affected by laws concerning: * Education * Voting rights * Ownership of property * Guardianship * Control of finances * Consent to sex
In the United Kingdom, specific legislation that affects people with learning disabilities include: * Disability Discrimination Act * Mental Health Act * Community Care Act * National Health Services Act
1.2 The laws and policies help to ensure that any person with a disability receives fair treatment, is not judged or discriminated against because of their disability. It affects their day to day living by: * Ensuring their voice is heard * Ensuring they receive appropriate care * Ensuring they can make their own choices * Making them aware of their rights and entitlements * Ensuring they are not discriminated against * Protecting them from harm, abuse and injustice
2.1 Mencap defines ‘Learning Disability’ as a reduced intellectual ability and difficulty with everyday activities – for example household tasks, socialising or managing money – which affects someone for their whole life.
2.2 A learning disability occurs when the brain is still developing - before, during or soon after birth. * Before birth things can happen to the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) that can cause a learning disability. A child can be born with a learning disability if the mother has an accident or illness while she is pregnant, or if the unborn baby develops certain genes. Genes are chemicals in our bodies that contain information about us - like how we look. * A person can be born with a learning disability if he or she does not get enough oxygen during childbirth, or is born too early. *