Jon Sparkes OBE, Chief Executive of 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. charity Mencap says:
"Today’s proposed changes are a positive step towards supporting people with a learning disability into work. Mencap
research
Research is a way of finding out information which could come from books, or asking people what they think.
shows that 86% of people with a learning disability who are not in work would like a job, and changes such as
the Government
The Government are the people who run the country. They decide how much tax people should pay for things and how things like the National Health Service should work.
’s proposed integration of Job Centre Plus and National Career
Service
A service gives people what they need, like healthcare services that help people when they are ill, and support services that give people support.
could help tens of thousands of people with a learning disability into
employment
Employment means having a job.
.
"We also welcome the ‘Youth Guarantee’ which will ensure all young people have access to training and employment support, but want to see it extended for people aged 18-25 who may transition Transition means changing from one thing to another. Transition sometimes means things like when you change from having children's social care to adult social care. from education Education is when you learn things. When you fill in a form to get a job, education means you write where you went to school, college or university. to employment slightly later.
"The biggest barrier to work people with a learning disability face is the benefits system, following years of
cuts
Cuts are when there is less money to pay for things like clubs and support.
and the stressful process of reassessment and recalculation. Building back confidence will take time, which is why the Government needs to take bold action and ensure people with a learning disability can engage in work without the threat of sanctions or losing their
financial
Financial means anything that is to do with money. It is used to describe how people, businesses, or governments get money and how they use it
security."
-ENDS-
For further information or to arrange an
interview
An interview is a meeting where you talk to someone or a group of people about something. When you have an interview for a job, you have to answer questions and say why you would be good at the job. The person who gives the best answers is offered the job.
with a Mencap
spokesperson
A spokesperson is someone who speaks up about something. They usually speak up on behalf of a group or organisation.
or
case study
A case study is a piece of writing that tells people more information about someone's experience.
, please contact Mencap’s media team on: [email protected] or 02076965414 (including out of hours).
Notes to editors:
About Mencap:
Mencap exists to ensure the UK is the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives. We support people directly and
campaign
A campaign is when people work together to try to change something.
with people with a learning disability, their families and carers. We work to change laws, increase representation and campaign for better health,
social care
Social care means the services that give care and support to people who need it.
and employment opportunities for the 1.5 million people with a learning disability in the UK.
What is a learning disability?
A learning disability is a reduced intellectual ability which affects someone for their whole life. Typically, people with a learning disability need more time to learn and process information. They may need extra support to develop skills, complete tasks and interact with others, or they may have more complex needs requiring round-the clock care. The level of support needed is different for everyone and may change during a person’s lifetime.
Learning disability is NOT a mental illness or a learning difficulty. Often, the term ‘learning difficulty’ is wrongly used in place of ‘learning disability’. Having a learning difficulty (such as ADHD or
dyslexia
Dyslexia is a learning difficulty. People who have dyslexia can find it hard to read, write and spell.
) may mean a person learns at a different pace or in a different way BUT – unlike a learning disability - it does not affect a person’s intellect.
With the right support, most people with a learning disability can lead happy, healthy, independent lives. At Mencap, it’s our mission to remove societal barriers and shatter misconceptions to make this more possible for more people.
Mencap’s guide to reporting on Learning Disability
When it comes to creating content with people with a learning disability, we know many people feel nervous about saying and doing the wrong thing. Our guide for journalists, covers everything from up to date facts and figures to the right language to use. It also includes tips on how to work with people with a learning disability to gather the best content.