Information Bulletin
Learning Disabilities Week 16th - 22nd June 2008
A recent poll conducted by Mencap, a national organisation for people with learning disabilities, has exposed widespread ignorance amongst the general public (and MPs) about learning disabilities. Poll results are available from www.tinyurl.com/4anjtb.
Mencap provides an explanation of the term ‘learning disabilities’:
‘A learning disability is caused by the way the brain develops before, during or soon after birth. It is always lifelong people with a learning disability find it harder than others to learn, understand and communicate.’
Perhaps the ignorance is due to confusion – some people may have a specific learning difficulty, such as dyslexia, which affects certain aspects of their life, but which doesn’t have the same global effect on their development as a learning disabilities diagnosis. A significant number of people with learning disabilities may have physical or sensory disabilities as well. For some people the impact on their daily lives of their physical or sensory disabilities is greater than the impact of their learning disabilities.
For those who want to test their knowledge of learning disabilities Mencap has supplied a quick quiz online at: http://www.mencap.org.uk/quiz/quiz02.swf
At present there are known to be 126 males with learning disabilities in Shetland and 64 females – a total of 190 people. By 2020 projections suggest that this total will rise to 271.
The Shetland community is generally very supportive of its members who happen to have learning disabilities. Many people with learning disabilities are active participants in local events. Having an ordinary life – a job, a relationship, friends, a home of their own – is what most people with learning disabilities aspire towards.
For those who need specialist support Shetland Islands Council provides a range of services through its Department of Education and Social Care. In recent years the Additional Support Needs service at Anderson High School has expanded into a new base; the Independent Living Project is continuing to expand its range of supported accommodation in conjunction with both the Housing Service and Hjaltland Housing Association; Newcraigielea has opened its doors to provide short breaks (respite care) in a purpose-built care home. The voluntary sector is key to providing supported employment and social support.
Most importantly, staff in all organisations are continuously working to improve their skills and knowledge so they can better meet the needs of children and adults with learning disabilities and to enhance the opportunities available.
Note to journalists: Mencap also supply a useful online guide to reporting on learning disabilities issues without prejudice on http://www.mencap.org.uk/document.asp?id=1991
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