The unit explores the meaning of learning disability and considers issues closely linked with learning disability support. These include an awareness of how the attitudes and beliefs of others affect individuals who have learning disabilities. The unit introduces themes of inclusion, human rights, advocacy, empowerment and active participation, and also considers the central place of communication in working with individuals who have learning disabilities.
Understand the legislation and policies that support the human rights and inclusion of individuals with learning disabilities.
Summarise legislation and policies that promote the human rights, inclusion, equal life chances and citizenship of individuals with learning disabilities.
Explain how this legislation and policies influence the day to day experiences of individuals with learning disabilities and their families.
Individual refers to someone requiring care or support; it will usually mean the person or people supported by the learner.
Understand the nature, causes and characteristics of learning disability.
Explain what is meant by ‘learning disability’.
Describe causes of learning disabilities.
Describe the medical and social models of disability.
Evaluate the potential impact on the family of an individual with a learning disability.
Understand the historical context of learning disability.
Explain types of services provided for individuals with learning disabilities over time.
Evaluate how past ways of working may affect present services.
Describe how person-centred practice impacts on the lives of individuals with learning disabilities in relation to:
Understand the principles and practice of advocacy, empowerment and active participation in relation to supporting individuals with learning disabilities and their families.
Explain the meaning of the term ‘social inclusion’.
Explain the meaning of the term advocacy.
Describe different types of advocacy.
Analyse strategies to promote empowerment and active participation.
Active participation is a way of working that recognises an individual’s right to participate in the activities and relationships of everyday life as independently as possible; the individual is regarded as an active partner in their own care or support, rather than a passive recipient.
Understand how views and attitudes impact on the lives of individuals with learning disabilities and their family carers.
Explain impacts of views and attitudes of others on individuals with a learning disability.
Describe strategies to promote positive attitudes towards individuals with learning disabilities and their family/carers.
Explain the roles of external agencies and others in changing attitudes, policy and practice.
Understand how to promote communication with individuals with learning disabilities.
Explain how to meet the communication needs of individuals with learning disabilities.
Explain why it is important to use language that is both ‘age appropriate’ and ‘ability appropriate’ when communicating with individuals with learning disabilities.
Describe ways of checking whether an individual has understood a communication, and how to address any misunderstandings.