Learning disabilities

A learning disability can affect the way a person understands information and how they communicate.

If someone has a learning disability, they may have ongoing difficulties with:

• understanding new or complex information
• learning new skills
• coping independently

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.

The first step is to ask for an assessment. You can contact us yourself (known as self-referral) or someone else can do this on your behalf.

You will also need a diagnosis of your learning disability. For more information on this, see the Mencap website.

A carer is a person who is unpaid and has a personal, ongoing relationship with the person who has a learning disability. A carer may or may not live with the person they care for. We can support you as well as the person you care for.

As a carer you may provide support with many things, including personal care, helping someone to get out and about, emotional support, support with money matters and advocacy.

If you care for someone with a disability, you are entitled to a carer's assessment to find out how we can help you. This is an opportunity for you to talk about your caring role and what needs you may have so that you can get the right sort of support. This is separate from the assessment for the person you care for.