The Department of Health defines a learning disability as the presence of a significantly reduced ability to understand new or complex information or to learn new skills, coupled with a reduced ability to cope independently that began before adulthood and has had a lasting effect on development.  These difficulties mean that individuals may need support in new environments, such as health centres, and may not understand information relating to their health needs if it is not presented to them in an accessible manner.

Evidence suggests that people with learning disabilities have greater healthcare needs than the general population and that these needs are often unmet. This resource is intended to give staff/carers the tools to deliver dignity in healthcare to people with learning disabilities.

Learning Disability Guidance

Communication Tools