Week 6: Learning disabilities

Introduction

People of any age can have a learning disability. It may make it difficult for them to communicate their wishes and to be understood, which means that both mental capacity assessment and decision making on their behalf need to be done with particular care. This week you look at some of the features and needs of people with learning disabilities, and how they can be empowered to achieve a fulfilling life.

By the end of this week you should be able to:

• describe what is meant by ‘learning disability’
• explain the importance of communicating and listening in assessing the wishes and feelings of people with learning disabilities
• describe some of the decisions that people with learning disabilities often need support making
• describe some of the legal opportunities for intervention and support
• give examples of high-stakes situations which feature enforced intervention in the lives of people with learning disabilities, including the deprivation of liberty.