Learning disabilities - resources
Here are links to evidence-based resources which support this area of practice. You may also want to refer to information about the national service frameworks and strategies across the UK.
Some of the resources listed below are in PDF format - see how to access PDF files.
Guidelines and guidance
Commission for Social care Inspection (2009) Supporting disabled parents: a family or a fragmented approach? (PDF 1.27MB)
This CSCI study seeks to examine the experiences of disabled parents and their families and to see how far council policies, services and practice are providing appropriate support.
Department of Health (2009) Valuing employment now - real jobs for people with learning disabilities
This Department of Health strategy sets out an ambitious goal to radically increase the number of people with learning disabilities in employment by 2025. There are also links to the executive summary and easy read version.
Department of Health (2009) Valuing people now: a new three-year strategy for people with learning disabilities
'Valuing people now' sets out the cross-government strategy for people with learning disabilities for the next three years following consultation. It is based on the vision of the 2001 'Valuing people' strategy and is set in the context of other related strategies and action plans. It also sets out the Government's response to the main recommendations in 'Healthcare for all, the independent inquiry into access to healthcare for people with learning disabilities'.
Department of Health (2009) Valuing people now: the delivery plan
This delivery plan for the 'Valuing people now' strategy sets out the governance structure and the actions, with timescales and responsibilities, that will be taken to support the implementation of the strategy, nationally, regionally and locally. It describes the role and responsibilities of the agencies and bodies involved and highlights the priorities for 2009-10.
Department of Health (2009) Supporting Learning Disability Partnership Boards to implement the National Carers Strategy
This booklet offers guidance to Learning Disability Partnership Boards to help them ensure carers of people with learning disabilities, and carers with learning disabilities are supported in their own right, and involved in local service developments which affect their lives, and the lives of the people they care for.
Department of Health (2009) Improving the patient experience: sharing success in mental health and learning disabilities - the King's Fund's Enhancing the Healing Environment programme
The King's Fund's Enhancing the Healing Environment, is a nurse-led environmental improvement programme. Following the success of initial projects in London, the programme was extended to 69 Trusts in England including acute, mental health, learning disability and primary care trusts.
Department of Health (2009) Health Action Planning and Health Facilitation for people with learning disabilities: good practice guidance
This update of guidance first published in 2002 has been produced in the light of recent reports highlighting poor health outcomes and inequalities in care for people with learning disabilities and to reflect the emphasis in the NHS Next Stage Review on more personalised services as a hallmark of high quality care for all. The guidance describes and clarifies good practice in health facilitation and health action planning drawing on research, best practice and the experience of people who attended focused workshops. This guidance needs to be read alongside the 2002 document.
See also: Department of Health (2002) Action for health, health action plans and health facilitation detailed good practice guidance on implementation for learning disability partnership boards
Department of Health (2007) Good practice in learning disability nursing
Learning disability nurses (LDNs) play a vital role in helping to respond to the healthcare and other needs of people with learning disabilities. This guidance aims to highlight how their contribution can be made even more effective in the future.
Department of Health (2001) Valuing people. A new strategy for learning disability for the 21st century
This White Paper sets out the Department of Health's commitment to improving the life chances of people with learning disabilities.
Department of Health (2001) Welcome to Valuing People
Accessible version of the Department of Health's Valuing people strategy document.
Disability Discrimination Act (1995 and 2005)
The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) aims to protect disabled people from discrimination. This Act was extended in 2005 now giving disabled people rights in the areas of employment; education; access to goods, facilities and services; buying or renting land or property and functions of public bodies.
Disability Rights Commission (DRC) (2007) Equal treatment: closing the gap - one year on (PDF 130.1KB)
Report of the Reconvened Formal Inquiry Panel of the DRC's Formal Investigation into the inequalities in physical health experienced by people with mental health problems and learning disabilities.
Healthcare for all: report of the independent inquiry into access to healthcare for people with learning disabilities (2008)
The aim of this inquiry was to identify the action needed to ensure adults and children with learning disabilities receive appropriate treatment in acute and primary health care in England. See also: Easy read version (PDF 1008KB).
Mencap (2008) Getting it right campaign
This campaign campaign aims to support local campaigners, health professionals, GP surgeries, hospitals and health care authorities to work together to make improvements.
Royal College of Nursing (2010) Dignity in health care for people with learning disabilities (PDF 1,117KB)
This publication aims to improve dignity in health care for people with learning disabilities. Whilst it is designed primarily to support the nursing workforce, other health care and social care staff may also find it a useful resource. It focuses on the experiences of people with learning disabilities, areas for improvement in relation to dignity, practical ideas on what nurses can do to improve dignity and sources of further information and support. It also includes information relating to the particular health needs that people with learning disabilities may have, and provides guidance on working in collaboration with other service providers.
Royal College of Nursing (2007) Meeting the health needs of people with learning disabilities (PDF 1.0MB)
The guide defines learning disabilities, outlines some specific health needs and explains relevant legislation, which includes obtaining consent. The guide also details specialist services, how to support people accessing services and lists a number of helpful resources and organisations.
Royal College of Nursing (2007) Mental health needs of adults with learning disabilities (PDF 708.4KB)
This guidance looks at how adults with learning disabilities are presented and are assessed and treated. It gives examples of good practice and partnership working and will help nurses have a better understanding of the mental health needs and communication needs of people with learning disabilities.
Other resources
British Institute for Learning Disabilities (BILD)
The British Institute for Learning Disabilities works with the government and other organisations to improve the lives of people with learning disabilities.
Derbyshire County Primary Care Trust (2006) You have diabetes (PDF 448KB)
Booklet produced by Derbyshire County PCT aimed at people with learning disabilities who have diabetes.
Disability Network
A network dedicated to promoting equality for disabled people in the UK.
Easy Health: Diabetes
The Easy Health website has been developed to guide people to easy to understand health information which aims to be eye-catching, use simple words and have photos, symbols and pictures. There is a range of information on diabetes.
Enable Scotland
ENABLE Scotland campaigns for better rights and services for people with learning disabilities and their families in Scotland. It has a national information service, a legal service and local advocacy projects.
Equality and Human Rights Commission
The Disability Rights Commission (DRC), the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) and the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) were incorporated into the new Equality and Human Rights Commission on the 01 October 2007. The Equality and Human Rights Commission works to eliminate discrimination, reduce inequality and protect human rights.
Jan-net Ltd: Networks UK
This website provides information about a number of Networks relevant to practitioners and others working with people with learning disabilities. Currently there is a UK Health and Learning Disability Network, UK CAMHs and Learning Disabilities Network, and a UK Forensic and Learning Disabilities Network. Membership is free. Each Network is briefly described with information about who the network is aimed at, network activities, how to join and contact details.
Learning Disability Wales
Learning Disability Wales works in partnership with other organisations, service users and their parents/carers to help children and adults with learning disabilities achieve valued lives.
Royal College of Nursing Learning Disabilities Community
The RCN Learning Disabilities Nursing Forum is for all nurses in this field. It works hard to promote closer links with service users and their families.
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