Learning Disabilities
A learning disability can happen when you are born or because of
an illness or injury during your early years. If you have a
learning disability you will need help with learning and
remembering.
You may also need support to communicate and do everyday things.
We provide a range of services and help for people with a learning
disability.
We also aim to help those who support you (known as carers).
Where can I find out more about Learning Disabilities?
Who can give me help and advise on my situation?
A Social Worker or an
Occupational Therapist can discuss your
situation with you and assess your needs. Social Workers and
Occupational Therapists are highly trained professionals who
are skilled in identifying physical, psychological, practical, and
social needs. They can work with you and your carers to find ways
of reducing your problems and meeting your needs.
If you need someone to act on
your behalf, you can appoint an advocate. An advocate is someone who can support
or represent you when dealing with everyday problems or in times of
crisis.
Advocates can offer you
support and information on how you can access your rights.
Advocacy for people
with learning disabilities
A Citizen Advocate can help you and act on your behalf, especially
when you need to deal with official matters or big organisations.
Mencap are setting up self-advocacy
groups to help people with learning disabilities to speak up for
themselves but there are Citizen Advocacy organisations:
What services can be provided for me?
Please see our page on services for people with Learning
Disabilities.
How can I get help from Social Services?
Please contact your
local Social Care Team and tell them about your
needs.
If the Access Team thinks
that Social Services may be able to help you they will put you in
touch with someone, probably a Social Worker, who will assess your needs
and work with you to deal with them. They will be able to discuss
the help available, and link you with services and resources to
help you. Your carers may be entitled to an assessment of their own
needs too.
Social Services provides a
broad range of services for people with learning
disabilities, with priority given to those with the greatest
needs. Where possible we will offer you choices and help
you choose the best options for your situation.
We work closely with Health
Services and with other public, private, and voluntary agencies,
and may suggest involving other agencies to ensure that your needs
are met.
We will need to keep some
records of our contacts with you, but these will be kept
confidential. You have a legal right to see records kept about
you.