This page forms part of the Transcultural Health resource, published in 2004, and is preserved as a historical document for reference purposes only. Some information contained within it may no longer refer to current practice. More information
Chapter four: Ethnicity and learning disabilities
Author: Ghazala Mir
Introduction
This module explores the needs of people with learning disabilities, the needs of their carers, and the services available to meet those needs. It attempts to outline the kinds of services that are inclusive to all ethnic communities and the issues that can cause problems for service users, particularly those from minority ethnic groups. The focus of this module is on health and social care, though other areas are also touched upon. The module has been adapted as a teaching resource from a report on 'Learning Difficulties and Ethnicity' published by the Department of Health
The first part of this resource begins with a sketch of the circumstances of minority ethnic communities in the UK, and specifically of people with learning disabilities. The following sections examines some of the key principles which currently underpin service policy: partnership, advocacy, independent living and empowerment. It considers the extent to which those principles are appropriate to the needs of users and carers from a range of cultural backgrounds. It highlights shortcomings in the way the principles are translated into practice, and examples of approaches or initiatives which are particularly sensitive to the needs of people from a range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
Further examples of innovative approaches are given in the next section, which focuses on the way services are organised. Again, the section reviews users' and carers' experiences of services, with specific reference to communication and information, cultural and religious identity, staffing and training, funding and resources, and the debate around specialist versus integrated services.
The module draws on existing literature about transcultural services for people with learning disabilities. However it is important to bear in mind that in some respects this literature is limited. The needs of people from South Asian communities have been more intensively researched than those from African Caribbean backgrounds. Little information, too, is available about the needs of people with learning disabilities from other groups, such as the African, Chinese, Irish or Jewish communities, refugees or travellers. In addition, little work has been undertaken with people with learning disabilities themselves from minority ethnic backgrounds.
Although some communities have been under researched, others feel that their needs have been documented for a long time, yet little has been done to address those needs in practice. This module therefore attempts to focus not only on the problems that may arise when trying to provide appropriate services but also on thinking about practical steps that can be taken to overcome them. Throughout the module exercises and case scenarios are used to help discussion and thought around key themes.
In Section 1 you will be provided with a brief introduction to the area of ethnicity and disability to give you a broad framework for the discussion to follow. In Section 2 a review of service principles highlights some of the key concepts and organisational issues that shape current provision. This is built upon in Section 3, where strategies that are central to improving service provision are discussed.