1.1 Summarise legislation and policies that promote the human rights, inclusion, equal life chances and citizenship of individuals with learning disabilities.
Learning disabilities in our society have always been viewed with some stigma in the past, and unfortunately, this continues in these modern times. However, it is safe to say that things have changed and there have been a lot of improvements to promote the basic human rights, equal life chances, and inclusion of individuals with learning-related impairments in the society. Series of policies and legislations have been put in place to ensure that individuals in this category are protected from the societal disadvantages that might arise as a result of their condition.
Legislations
These are collections of laws that have been made binding by the parliament. Failure to comply with this might lead to charges or prosecution being brought against an organisation.
The Race Relations Act of 1976 and the Disability Discrimination Act of 1995 have been replaced by the Equality Act of 2010, which protects people from harassment, discrimination, and victimization in society. It makes it illegal to discriminate against someone who has a disability. Apart from disabilities, gender and race are also some of the “protected” attributes.
Local governments are required by the Care Act of 2014 to foster the wellness of those who require assistance with care.  Socioeconomic well-being, gainful employment, education, learning, engagement in leisure activities, and a person’s social contribution are all included in this.
Other legislations worth mentioning that promotes equal life chances, human rights, and inclusiveness of these individuals include Mental Health Act 2007, Autism Act 2009, Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Acts 2006, and Health and Social Care Act 2006.
Policies
In order to guarantee that employees act appropriately and do their duties effectively, organizations and industry governing bodies develop policies. If health and social care professionals do not follow the rules, they might be subject to disciplinary action or even legal action.
- The Mental Capacity Act Code of Practice outlines recommendations for caregivers who must make choices on behalf of the people they are responsible for.
- All people should hold their care to a set of minimal standards, according to the CQC Fundamental Standards.
- Service providers and professionals in the health and social care sector must follow the requirements outlined in the CQC Regulations. This and Fundamental Standards go hand in hand.
- The minimal standards and requirements that all health and social care employees in England should satisfy in order to be considered professionals are laid forth in the Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers and Adult Social Care Workers.
- Organisational policies outline the rules, regulations, and guidelines to follow for specific organisations. While these are designed to be a guide for employees to conduct their tasks appropriately, it might differ from organisation to organisation.
Other answers covered in the full document
- 1.2 Explain how legislation and policies influence the day-today 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 An explanation of types of services provided for people with learning disabilities over time.
- 3.2 Evaluation of how past ways of working affect present services.
- 3.3 Impacts of person–centred practice on people with learning disabilities in relation lives
- 4.1 What is ‘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.