DONATE Need help? We are here 01789 298709 Home About Us Services About Learning Disabilities Support Us News Jobs Contact COVID-19 About Learning Disabilities What is a learning disability? The answer is that it's different for every person who has one. But there are some things that are true for everyone with a learning disability, and some common (and not so common) conditions that will mean you have a learning disability. By Definition: A learning disability is a reduced intellectual ability and difficulty with everyday activities – for example household tasks, socialising or managing money – which affects someone for their whole life. People with a learning disability tend to take longer to learn and may need support to develop new skills, understand complicated information and interact with other people. The level of support someone needs depends on the individual. For example, someone with a mild learning disability may only need support with things like getting a job. However, someone with a severe or profound learning disability may need full­time care and support with every aspect of their life – they may also have physical disabilities. People with certain specific conditions can have a learning disability too. For example, people with Down’s syndrome and some people with autism have a learning disability. It’s important to remember that with the right support, most people with a learning disability in the UK can lead independent lives. What's the difference? Learning disability is often confused with dyslexia and mental health problems. Mencap describes dyslexia as a “learning difficulty” because, unlike learning disability, it does not affect intellect. Mental health problems can affect anyone at any time and may be overcome with treatment, which is not true of learning disability. The national Mencap website has some fantastic resources for anyone with questions, or wanting to know and understand more: www.mencap.org.uk Staff Resources Yammer Webmail Support Navigation Home About Us Services About Learning Disabilities Support Us News Jobs Contact COVID-19 Twitter Facebook Linkedin YouTube Subscribe to newsletters Please join our mailing list to receive all the latest updates and future events details. NewsMarketingFundraising Subscribe Terms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy Copyright © 2021 Heart of England Mencap. All Rights Reserved. Registered Charity 1038862 CREATIVE MOMENTUM