Research and statistics

There are 1.4 million people with a learning disability in the UK. Read the latest research and statistics on a range of issues affecting people with a learning disability, from health and social care to finding work and friendships. 

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Get involved

Mencap is running a national survey of people with a learning disability in the UK! This national survey will be a chance for people with a learning disability to tell us about their everyday lives and experiences. Take part now!

Children

There are approximately 193,707 children of school age in the UK who have a learning disability.

Friendships

Friendships and socialising are important to people with a learning disability.

Employment

How many adults with a learning disability have a paid job?

Sexuality

Relationships are very important to people with a learning disability

Health

Read latest research and statistics about health for people with a learning disability

Leisure

What research says about the importance of leisure activities for people with a learning disability.

Money and banking

Here are some of the many financial hurdles a family of someone with learning disabilities may face. 

Social care

Social care can be crucial in helping people with a learning disability to live their life

Stigma & Discrimination

Stigma and discrimination may have a significant negative impact on the lives of people with a learning disability.

How common is learning disability?

There are 1.4 million people with a learning disability in the UK, but how common is learning disability?

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About the research and statistics

Our research and statistics are drawn from a range of databases, government reports, websites of voluntary organisations and academic publications. We periodically update these pages as new research and data becomes available. Each topic page is fully referenced, and links are provided where possible.

If you have any questions about our research and statistics, please contact the Research Team by emailing research@mencap.org.uk.

Research and statistics blogs

Catch up with the latest news and blogs from the research and statistics team.

Let's talk about sex

Sexuality is a human right. Yet, all too often, the sexual needs of people with a learning disability are not acknowledged.
Read more

Researching accessible transport for people with a learning disability

We wanted to find out more about accessible transport in London through the Barclays Hackathon research event
Read more

Becoming a Research Champion

I recently joined the ‘Research Champions’ group at Mencap. This is a new monthly group for colleagues with a learning disability.
Read more

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