A learning disability can affect the way a person understands information and how they communicate. This means they can have ongoing difficulties with:
Many people with learning disabilities may also have, a hearing or sight impairment, physical disability or Autism. A learning disability does not include all those who have a 'learning difficulty'.
If you have a learning disability, you may find everyday activities like work, education and jobs around the house a challenge. Other people may not understand learning disabilities so it may be hard to explain how you feel or you might find it hard to make friends.
The first step is to ask for an assessment.
You can do this yourself (known as self-referral) or someone else can do this on your behalf, as long as you are OK with that.
You will also need a formal diagnosis of your learning disability.
Your assessment is about you, and is completed together with one of our team.
With your consent, we may also talk to other people who know you or support you, including your doctor or nurse if you have one.
We may ask questions around the following areas:
We may be able to help If you are an adult, or a young person becoming an adult, who has a learning disability. You may received care and support needs that are eligible under The Care Act 2014.
You can view the easy read version of the Care Act 2014 (PDF).
The team can offer advice and guidance with specialist health care needs, for example:
And we may be able to provide advice and support about:
We work with others like social workers, learning disability nurses, community team assistants and carer's support worker.