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 said:
“In this Spring Statement
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.
has chosen to take even more money away from disabled people and penalise those on the lowest incomes. We don’t believe the Government understands what a learning disability is: if they did, they wouldn’t be doing this.
“Having a learning disability is not a choice. Relying on public services and support systems is not a choice. People with a learning disability already struggle with the benefits systems and these significant changes, designed to save money, risk disadvantaging them even further.
“People with a learning disability face a
social care
Social care means the services that give care and support to people who need it.
system in which they struggle to get their needs met; a health system which allows them to die 23 years younger than the rest of the population; and now welfare reform which will take away vital Personal
Independence
Independence means doing things on your own. Making your own choices.
payments, that support people with the unavoidable costs of being disabled. How will people on low incomes and benefits cope with losing £8,000-£13,000 a year?
“People with a learning disability are contacting us anxious and fearful about what the future holds. People tell us they face losing their independence; families are worried they will need to give up work to support their loved ones because they’re losing money to pay for vital support; and others say they face a lonely future living in poverty. This is not the life that disabled people should face in 2025.”
-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 and
employment
Employment means having a job.
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.