Learning Disabilities

• Social exclusion is made more severe by language barriers and contribute to disadvantage.
• It is essential that sufficient good quality multi-disciplinary specialist services are available to meet the needs of people with learning disabilities.
• Locally based specialist community learning disability services are key components of the modern NHS. Through these NHS Trusts people with learning disabilities have access to a range of learning disability specialists including speech and language working in a multi-disciplinary way in close collaboration with social workers and care managers.
• Members of the specialist learning disability service should provide additional support to the primary health care team to help them manage the complex health needs of those with multiple disabilities. In addition they may need access to a range of medical, nursing and other health services including speech and language therapy.