2- AN 40 Understand the context of supporting individuals with learning disabilities

1.1 Summarise legislation and policies that promote the human rights, inclusion, equal life chances and citizenship of individuals with learning disabilities

The rights and support mechanisms for individuals with learning disabilities are governed by a robust set of laws and policy documents. Among these, the Equality Act 2010 stands out as a critical legal safeguard designed to prevent discrimination in various areas like work and education, specifically on grounds that include disability (Equality Act 2010).

Also, The Human Rights Act 1998 serves a vital role by integrating the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law (Human Rights Act 1998). This ensures protection against discrimination while also respecting one’s right to privacy and family life. These principles are essential for supporting equal opportunities.

Separate from those acts but equally significant is The Mental Capacity Act 2005. This act provides guidelines for decision-making when it comes to individuals who might not have the capacity to make choices independently (Mental Capacity Act 2005). It insists that any decisions made should prioritise what is best for such persons while enabling their involvement wherever possible.

On the policy front, we have ‘Valuing People Now’, published in 2009 by the Department of Health. This document calls for services tailored uniquely to each person’s needs. It emphasises social inclusion along with fostering independence and offering more control over personal choices for people with learning disabilities.

These statutes together build an environment where respect, dignity, and equality are not merely aspirations but expected norms. However, beyond their existence as written texts lies their practical enactment—something which hinges on awareness from all societal facets, including care professionals, employers in various industries and education professionals alike—to carry forward these ideals through actions true to their spirit.

Other answers in the full document:

• • 1.2 Explain how legislation and policies influence the day-to-day experiences of individuals with learning disabilities and their families
  • 2.1 Explain what is meant by ‘learning disability’
  • 2.2 Describe causes of learning disabilities
  • 2.3 Describe the medical and social models of disability
  • 2.4 Evaluate the potential impact on the family of an individual with a learning disability
  • 3.1 Explain types of services provided for individuals with learning disabilities over time
  • 3.2 Evaluate how past ways of working may affect present services
  • 3.3 Describe how person-centred practice impacts on the lives of individuals with learning disabilities in relation to:
    •  where the individual lives
    •  daytime activities
    •  employment
    •  sexual relationships and parenthood
    •  the provision of healthcare
  • 4.1 Explain the meaning of the term ‘social inclusion’
  • 4.2 Explain the meaning of the term ‘advocacy’
  • 4.3 Describe different types of advocacy
  • 4.4 Analyse strategies to promote empowerment and active participation
  • 5.1 Explain impacts of views and attitudes of others on individuals with learning disability
  • 5.2 Describe strategies to promote positive attitudes towards individuals with learning disabilities and their family/carers
  • 5.3 Explain the roles of external agencies and others in changing attitudes, policy and practice
  • 6.1 Explain how to meet the communicating needs of individuals with learning disabilities
  • 6.2 Explain why it is important to use language that is both age appropriate and ability appropriate with individuals with learning disabilities
  • 6.3 Describe ways of checking whether an individual has understood a communication, and how to address any misunderstandings.