Facts about learning disabilities and making communication accessible
Having a learning disability affects the way someone learns, communicates or does other everyday things.
Learning disabilities can be present from birth or can develop later in life, for example, due to a brain injury.
1.5 million people in the UK have learning disabilities.
200 babies are born with learning disabilities every week.
9 out of ten people with learning disabilities have been bullied.
Learning disabilities can be present from birth or can develop later in life, for example, due to a brain injury.
There are many different types of learning disability. It can be mild, moderate or severe. Some people with a mild learning disability do not need a lot of support in their lives. Other people need support with getting dressed, going shopping, or filling out forms.
Some people may have profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD).
This can mean they have great difficulty communicating, need high levels of
support and may have additional sensory or physical disabilities.
Accessible communication for people with learning disabilities
A learning disability need not stop someone from learning, making choices and achieving a lot in life - as long as they get the right support. This includes having information and advice in ways that they can understand. Sometimes this will be clearly presented plain English. Sometimes it will be large print, audio or the easyread format.
It is vital that information, processes and support procedures are created in a way that is flexible and simple to understand.
Some people prefer to get information graphically. This does not necessarily mean they cannot read text. Publications and websites with simple text and images can help people to understand information.
Clear and simple technical systems will help reduce anxiety. Disability equality training can support helpline staff to help people confidently and appropriately.
Some people using the internet may be confused when asked to respond to instructions quickly. You should ensure that time-linked technologies have appropriate time-out settings.
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