By Mencap
Rahima 28, from Newham in London has a mild learning disability A learning disability is to do with the way someone's brain works. It makes it harder for someone to learn, understand or do things. , cerebral palsy, and needs 24-hour care. To communicate, she uses a special computer which tracks the motion of her eyes to form words.
Rahima talked about some of the challenges she's faced
Rahima said: “One challenge I face often is making others see or hear me, as they think that I can’t speak for myself, or I am completely unable."
“I have a good relationship with my GP as he has known me for many years. This means that I don’t have to repeat myself which gets very tiring. I have routine appointments with him only and it helps because you know that there will be someone that always checks in.
Having those annual health care checks help with also giving me a routine and the space to prepare for the thing I need. My doctor knows me so well those checks help with him understanding me and how my health can go up and down.
I like when doctors know me because they speak to me directly and involve me in my care. Everyone has a voice including me. We are all different in many ways, but we all want and live for the same thing which is respect Respect means showing someone you think about someone's feelings, wishes or rights. for who we are and understanding.”
Brendan Chivasa