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Learning disabilities
Building independence and confidence for adults with a learning disability.
A learning disability affects the way a person understands information and learns new skills. It is lifelong, and it affects everyone differently. Some people need a little support to live independently, while others need support with most areas of daily life.
We support adults with a learning disability to live as independently as possible, to build everyday skills, and to do more of the things they enjoy. We start from what a person can do and wants to do, not from what they cannot.
We follow the social model of disability. That means we focus on removing the barriers that get in someone’s way, whether that is the way information is presented, an unfamiliar environment, or a lack of the right support, rather than treating the person as a problem to be managed.
Communication is at the heart of good support. We take time to learn how each person communicates best, whether that is words, pictures, easy read, signing or other ways, and we make sure the person is genuinely involved in decisions about their own life.
What support can look like
- Learning and practising daily living skills, at the person’s own pace
- Support to cook, clean, shop and manage a home
- Help to take part in education, work, volunteering and hobbies
- Communication in the format that works best for the person
- Personal care and health support where it is needed
- Support to build friendships and be part of the community
How we support people
- Help to build daily living and independence skills
- Support with communication in the right format for the person
- Encouragement to take part in activities, work and the community
- Personal care and household support where needed
- Support to stay healthy and attend health checks and appointments
- Clear, person-centred plans developed with the person, families and advocates
Services that often help
Make a referral
Whether you are a family member, a social worker or a healthcare professional, we can talk through what someone needs and how soon.
Start a referralWorking together
Joined-up support around the person
We work in partnership with families, advocates, social workers and health teams, and we value what families know about their relative more than anyone. Where someone has an annual health check or a hospital passport, we support them to use it.
We support people to make their own decisions wherever possible. Where a decision needs to be made for someone who cannot make it themselves, we follow the principles of the Mental Capacity Act and act in their best interests, in the least restrictive way.
Questions
Learning disabilities, answered
Do you support people with more complex needs?
We support people with a range of needs. The right support always depends on the person, so the best thing is to talk to us about what someone needs and we will be honest about whether we are the right fit.
How do you involve someone who finds communication difficult?
We take time to learn how each person communicates best and we use the formats that work for them, such as pictures, easy read or signing. We also work closely with families and advocates so the person’s voice is always part of the plan.
Can you support someone to find work or activities?
Yes. Being part of the community matters. We encourage and support people to take part in education, work, volunteering and the activities they enjoy.
Helpful organisations
Independent advice and support
These national organisations are independent of Copper Connect Care. We share them because families tell us they help.
Mencap
Advice, advocacy and a free helpline for people with a learning disability and their families.
Talk to us
We are happy to talk things through and help you find the right support, with no obligation.
Make a referral or enquiry