1) Explain what is meant by the term ‘learning disability’

Learning disability refers to someone who struggles more in comprehending new or

complicated information or in learning new skills as compared with other people. It may
also pertain to reduced intellectual ability with everyday activities socializing, doing
household chores, money management and the likes.

2) Give THREE possible causes for someone having a learning disability

a. Learning disability acquired before birth.
Learning defect may be possible to an unborn child if: 1) The parents have history of
alcohol or drug intake; 2) exposure of the mother to radiation or toxic chemicals and
3) a genetic condition was either inherited from either parent known as Down’s
Syndrome.
b. Learning Disability Acquired During and After Birth (within the First 28 days
of Life)
Prenatal risk factors may include material illness, nutritional deficiencies and
exposure to infections during pregnancy or at times of birth.
Pregnancy- related complications may arise when the fetus is in a reverse position.
Thus, shifting the period of giving birth causing anxiety both the child and the
mother.
For some cases, having the fetus in an unnatural position inside the womb the
umbilical cord may tend to chord around the baby’s neck before death.
c. Learning Disability Acquired During Childhood
When looking out from , developmental delay and the possibility of learning disability
on the child, it is vital to that you remember that development does not move in a
linear direction. Sometimes the so called disability may not immediately be noticed
or diagnosed. You may only begin to see it by the time the child starts to interact with
other people. It may even take a couple of years before a childis considered to have a
learning disability. This can be the result of improper choice of food and food intake
on the part of the parents, depriving the child of the nutritional care which eventually
results to the learning disability.
3) What is the approximate proportion of people with learning disabilities for whom the
cause is not known

Sated in the study conducted by the British Institute for Learning Disabilities, roughly
25% are calculated to fall under those who have learning disabilities with which the
causes are not known.

4) Mathew’s mother has experienced a normal pregnancy and his disabilities are due to
complications which occurred during his birth. How might Mathew’s parents have
responded to the news that their son will be profoundly disabled? What might be their
concerns for the future?
 Be more of a keen listener. Some people want you to just simply listen.
4a) Mathew’s mother had experienced a normal pregnancy and his disabilities are due to
complications which occurred during his birth. How might Matthew’s parents have
responded to the news that their son will be profoundly disabled? What might be their
concerns for the future?
Matthew’s parents would normally feel the grief and frustration about the fact that the
learning disability is caused by complications of birth. They might as well get shocked upon
hearing the news from doctors and nurses. If that is the case, they may already plan the
disability can be addressed and what specific programs they can give to their child to cope
with his/ her situation.
4b) Matthew is ten years old and has profound learning disabilities and needs help with
personal care and in all aspects of his life. His brother Jos is two years older than him. What
might be the effect on Jon of having a brother with learning disabilities who is so dependent
on the rest of the family?
Knowing that his brother has learning disabilities, Jon could have anxiety towards his
brother’s condition and also a sense of responsibility and compassion towards his brother.
Jon can also be responsive about the needs of Matthew being a disabled child.

5a) Describe the medical model of disability.

The medical model links a disability diagnosis to an individual’s physical body. The model
assumes that disability hinders the body to function correctly due to an injury or genetic
characteristics.
It a set of assumptions that views behavioural abnormalities similar with that of a physical
disease or abnormality.
5b) Describe the term ‘social model of disability’.
The social model disability refers to the physical limitations of a person as a disability
barrier in getting engaged in the society. To ensure that disabled person are not excluded,
this model introduces the thought of how people with disabilities can participate in activities
as an equal footing with non- disabled people.
6a) Norma spent most of her life in a long- stay hospital for people with learning disabilities
but when the hospital closed she went to live with four other people in a care home. Explain
what life might have been like for Norma during her years in hospital.
Most likely, Norma’s life in a long- stay hospital is somewhat a safe haven for people with
learning disabilities because she receives the proper medication and treatment to get
improvement. She is a patient and so her life follows a medical pattern, schedule and routine.
For this reason, Norma has been isolated from the people at large outside the hospital where
she stayed. With this kind of isolation, people with disabilities are treated negatively outside
hospital institutions. Furthermore, Norma may it difficult to adjust to her new environment
as she has been so used to her routine and set-up in the hospital and has been isolated for so
long from other people.
6b) Norma’s keys worker and other staff her care home have helped her gain more skills and
confidence. If she wanted to go on to live more independently what other options might be
available for her?
Norma has a chance of living independently through the Supported Living Scheme with
which she can live in her own home with staff support depending on her needs.
6c) Describe the lasting effects that institutions such as long- stay hospitals may have had on
people with learning disabilities such as Norma and the services available to them.
Long stay hospitals provide the most appropriate treatment than any other medical
institutions. They can develop a sense of hope and healing to people like Norma; however,
their long stay in hospitals makes them isolated from other people and the outside
environment. As such, they are deemed as of lower class and called negative names by other
people. While hospitals can be considered a safe haven for people like Norma, services in
such institutions can be inadequate and supervision is quite limited as well. This causes
individuals with disability to develop behaviours such as stealing which they can also carry
out one they are transferred to another environment. Relations are also difficult to establish
for people with disability living in hospitals as hospitals for men and women and usually
separated. These, among others are long term- impacts that may be acquired by people with
disabilities living for a significant period of time in hospitals.

7a (i) Identify the key changes that have taken place in the lives of people with learning
disabilities in relation to where people with learning disabilities live.
Since the treatment of people with learning disabilities are not solely confined in hospitals,
there are options to be taken such as having home, daytime activities like sports session and
dog- walking activity and also getting a job. These are the key changes that are experienced
by people with learning disabilities. In addition, they also have good network of friends that
contributes a lot to their mental state.

7 a (ii) Identify the key changes that have taken place in the lives of people with learning
disabilities in relation to the daytime activities available team.
There is already a provision from institutions and agencies stating that people with learning
disabilities may be permitted to live independently not in hospitals but in flats or homes that
are rented at minimal cost. There may also be individuals who act as support staff attending
to the needs of the disabled persons.
7a (iii) Identify the key changes that have taken place in the lives of people with learning
disabilities in relationship to the employment opportunities they have.
Employment opportunities are made available for people with learning disabilities
depending on their skills, aptitude and interest. Extra jobs can be done by them such as
cleaning in shops or stores, shoe- shine jobs and other easy- to- do things in the community.
7a (iv) Identify the key changes that have taken place in lives of people with learning
disabilities in relation to their opportunities to enter into personal and sexual relationships
and to perhaps become a parent.
Opportunities for people with learning disabilities have the same rights in law as anyone else
to marry or have sexual relationship. Social care workers have the role to intervene in this
case because there should be proper planning and consideration about the issue. Serious
guidelines is needed so that partnership will become healthy among people with learning
disabilities.
7a (v) Identify the key changes that have taken place in the lives of pople with learning
disabilities in relation to the provision of the healthcare services to them.
People with learning disabilities have proper health than non- disabled ones and this also
affects the treatment they receive because they cannot understand the messages taking care
of their health and so they are assisted by support staff. However, people with learning
disabilities are likely to receive the same standard of healthcare as non- disabled ones.
7b) Explain the attitudes of society as a whole are changing in relation to people with
learning disabilities.
The society accepts the mechanisms on how “disabled” people live as independent or normal
as others. There are agencies of the government that support and give services to those with
learning disabilities. These people are no longer discriminated by normal beings.
8a) What advantages might there be in being labelled as having a learning disability.
Language and labels pertaining to mentally- disabled people have advantages when words to
describe them are not hurtful and are used to gain respect from others. When these words
are used in positive way, there can be societal or even global response system such as fund-
raising, donations, additional health care services.
The amount of respect given to the “mentally- disabled” and the language/ term used to
describe them bring strong self- confidence and self- worth.
8b) What disadvantages might there be in having labels.
Disadvantages become clear when word/ labels such “Mongoloid and Spastics Society “
affect how the society give regard to people with learning disabilities and also how they see
themselves, their self- confidence and self- worth. The more labels are used, the more they
feel weak and sickly.
9) Describe the steps that can be taken to promote positive attitudes towards individuals with
learning disabilities and their family carers.
Steps to promote positive attitudes towards people with learning disabilities:
1. Involve people with learning disabilities in television films and plays;
2. Publish success stories/ achievements in books, newspaper, social media;
3. Provide participation in outdoor activities like Paralympics;
4. Train staff and family members on how to interact with people with learning disabilities;
5. Communicate through social media
10a) Explain what external agencies can do to improve attitudes, policy and practice towards
people with learning disabilities.
1. Social workers form relationships and help people with learning disabilities to access the
resources and services they need.
2. Clinical psychologist assist in promoting psychological well- being and suggesting
strategies to help with distress or troubling behaviors.
3. Speech and language therapist assess and treat speech, language and communication
problems.
4. Organizations like Mencap and BILD help ton increase knowledge about learning
disabilities, maintain informative websites, publish useful leaflets and other documents.
10b) Explain what health and social care professionals can do to improve attitudes, policy
and practice towards people with learning disability.
Health and social care professionals can provide advice and support on healthcare, assess in
promoting psychological well- being, visit patients in their own home, provide care, promote
support and advice to families, teach patients and carers how to undertake tasks.
11) Explain the meaning of the term ‘social inclusion’.
Social Inclusion means that people with learning disabilities are included as far as they want
to be in kin of activities and services enjoyed by everyone else rather than being segregated.
12a) Explain the meaning of the term advocacy
Advocacy means to speak for or on behalf of another person.
12 b (i) Describe TWO different types of advocacy.
Self- Advocacy is the ability of people with learning disabilities to be able to speak up
for themselves and enable themselves to have greater control over their own lives.
12b (ii)
Citizen or Independent Advocacy needs a volunteer or someone employed by an
independent organization or agency to speak on behalf of a person.
 12 c) Describe what can you do to ensure that the everyday support you provide for people
with learning disabilities encourages their active participation and helps to empower them.
As supporters of people with learning disabilities, we should serve as a bridge for them to
comprehend every bit of information needed in making decisions without any form of
hindrance. As a support system, we should stimulate positive emotions in them and ensure
that they get the best opportunity to get more engaged.
13a) Identify at least THREE laws and one national policy that promote human rights
inclusion, equal life chances and citizenship for people with learning disabilities. Briefly
explain what each one is.
Law 1:
a. The Equity Act 2010 brought together with the Disability Discrimination Acts 1995
and 2005
The Disability Discrimination Acts were geared towards providing strong protection
against discrimination on grounds of disability. These protection provided by law
transcends from the field of employment, education and the availment of goods and
services. In a nutshell, these laws ensures that persons with disabilities are treated fairly
and are given equal treatment and opportunities just like any other person.

13 b)
Law 2:- Human Rights Act 1998
In the past, persons with disabilities has always been struggling in upholding their rights even up
to the extent of safeguarding their human rights which are even inherent and universal in nature.
This is why the Human Rights have been promulgated to ensure that such basic rights are
enjoyed by everyone including those persons with disabilities. Among others, this legislation
provides for the right of persons to be treated with dignity and respect. Specifically, this right
means a lot to persons with disability because it is aimed…
a. To maintain dignity and self-worth
b. To have their cultural, ethnic, spiritual, sexual, and emotional needs respected and to
receive support in meeting them.
c. To be kept informed about what is happening with their support and care
d. To have access their own doctors, dentists, opticians
e. To have informed choices about all aspect of their lives
f. To have their care and support regularly received
13 c)
Law 3:- Mental Capital Act 2005
 Designed to protect and restore power to people who have been regarded as lacking the
capacity to make decisions for themselves. The Mental Capacity Act assumes that every person
has the ability to make his own decision and if it shows proof to the contrary, all effort to assist
and help that person should be made.

13d)
National Policy- Valuing People 2001

Valuing People was declaration of policy that aimed at providing people with learning
disabilities the same access to services as everyone else including the right to the same access to
healthcare services. This policy has been established as a product of collaborative effort, taking
into account everyone’s views when planning and running services particularly for those with
disabilities.

14 a) Explain how the legislation identified in the last question affects the everyday
experience of people with learning disabilities and their families. Is answering this question
please consider how it affects the following. Their choice of where they live and whom they
live with.
The legislations gave provisions to the people with learning disabilities so that they won’t be
discriminated and that they properly exercise their rights in the society. They served as
protection for them to avoid harm and possible violations. These also bring about and
reinforce the major changes in attitudes of people with learning disabilities.
14b) Whether people with learning disabilities are able to seek and find employment.
The Equality Act 2010 discourages discrimination of society to people with learning
disability are treated fairly as others and have equal opportunities in applying for a job.

14c) Their opportunities to form loving relationships and start families if they wish.
The legislation and policy also accepts people with learning disabilities to engage in close
relationships and eventually end uo in marriage. In sum, legislations aim to provide equality
and remove all sorts of discrimination including marriage.
14d) Their access to the healthcare they need.
The Equality Act 2010 also includes access to healthcare needed by the people with learning
disabilities and this will be given by district nurses and other specialistslike psychol
15) Identify the possible changes you might need to make to the way you communicate using
words with people with learning disabilities.
When communicating with people having learning disabilities, it is vital to make some
adjustments to be able to deliver the correct message. Notably, there can be 3 basic changes
you can make depending on the case of the person. First is using vivid, straightforward
language to express clear information. Second, is speaking that is supported by visual such
as pictures or symbols. Last is the combination both which may vary depending what the
case may be.
16) Identify the changes you might need to make to non- verbal communication when
communicating with people with learning disabilities.
Below are some non- verbal changes are might need when communicating with people
having learning disabilities.
- Communication using signs and symbols - Makaton is a communication system have on the
British Sign Language, tailored fit to be utilized together with verbal speech and even on its
own. It is expressed using gestures of the hand or picture symbols.
- Picture Exchange Communication Sytem (PECS)- this is used through a photo that is being
exchanged with a person having the disability to express what he/ she wants. This is often
used with children and adults experiencing autism.

17) Explain why it is important to use language which is both age and ability appropriate.
It is important to use language which is both age and ability appropriate for it will foster the
dignity the people with learning disabilities deserve. They can also express well their wishes
and needs.
18) Describe ways to ensure that someone with learning disabilities has understood the
communication and how you deal with any misundertandings.
To ensure understanding on the part of people with learning disabilities, the following should
be considered:
1. Important or sensitive matters should be discussed where all parties feel most
comfortable. Always consider the correct timing as well as location.
2. Choose a place where you can take privately free from the strain of any form of
interruptions.
3. For others, they feel more at ease taking in a lively environment such as that of a café as
it makes them feel less nervous or embarrassed to communicate.
19a) In your own words, define what you understand “personalization” to mean with regard
to social care.
It is not only services for people with learning disabilities but for older people and those
with physical disabilities, mental health issues and other user groups. It involves giving the
persons the type of service they need how it is delivered and how it will be received.
19b) Explain how personalization can benefit people with learning disabilities.
Through personalization, the disabled person is allowed to make choices and decisions
regarding the kind of service he/ she needs most. The process may also enhance the
communicative pattern and interaction of persons with learning disabilities to non- disabled
persons.
19c) Explain the relationship between rights, choices and personalization.
Rights, choices and personalization are interrelated concepts such that one is the product or
outcome of the other. Choices that people with learning disabilities make are embedded in
the rights given to them. Then the end point is personalization.

20a) Identify ONE piece of legislation and two national policy documents that promote
personalization and encourage its adoption within social care services.
Legislation – The Equality Act 2010
20b)
National Policy Document 1 – Disability Discrimination
20c)
National Policy Document 2 – Sex Discrimination
21a) List the systems that have been introduced both at national and local levels support
personalization.
1. Valuing People 2001
2. Valuing People 2009
3. Care Act 2014
21b) Describe hos personalization has changed what local authorities look for when they plan
and purchase social care for people with learning disabilities.
Local authorities have the duty to check that people with learning disabilities are able to
make real and informed choices about the services they receive and have a say whether the
planned outcomes are achieved.
22) Explain how direct payments and individual budgets support personalization
Direct payments and individual budgets support personalization in situations where the
persons with learning disabilities would like to request for services needed particularly if
there is sufficient money or fund to make services possible. Direct payments facilitate an easy
and fast delivery of services.
23a(i) Give two examples of how personalization may affect the way individual are
supported in their day-to-day lives.
2 examples of personalization
David shares a flat with his friend, Munir. He is being assisted by a social worker in
terms of managing his money, medication, school’s medication.
23a (ii)
Imran has to use direct payments as managed by his brother to employ 2 part-time
personal assistants who can speak Punjab and also familiar with his culture so he can
eat the food he wants since he lost weight after staying in his flat and felt isolated.

23b) Describe the effect that personalization has on the balance of power between people
with learning disabilities and those who provide their support.
There is always a two- way process between the services needed by the people with learning
disabilities and the support- staff who plans, arranges and manages money/ budget/
There is a balance of power since the support staff depends only on the services chosen by
the disabled person and the way will be delivered through direct payment. Both parties are
necessary to realize personalization.
23c) Using any or all of the three case studies given in Workbook 1, Section 2, explain how
person- centered thinking, person centered planning and person centered approaches can
support personalization.
The case of Imran specializes on the approach that the agency undertook in order to address
Imran’s isolation and his poor health condition. The nature was person- centered because all
the measures made by the support staff focused on Imran’s possible development through the
kind if service most needed by the person and situation. Personalization became very
effective because of thorough planning and positive approach.
24a (i) Explain the difference between providing support and brokering services.
The support team/ staff assists the people with disabilities in terms of choices and
decisions to be made, services needed and how they can be made available through formal
planning, discussions, interventions. This is the nature of providing support while brokering
services involved direct payments.
24b (i) Analyse the skills, attitudes and approaches required by those providing personalized
support.
 Attitudes and skills of people in brokering services should involve variety of purposeful
approaches depending on the character of the disabled person, also it needs a lot of
patience, resourcefulness, initiative and a good communication style in order to meet certain
goals of personalisation.
24b (ii) Analyse the skills, attitudes and approaches required by those who act as brokers.
Those providing personalised support to people with learning disabilities should contain a
wide range of intrapersonal skills such as flexibility to situation, patient disposition and
positive adjustment to changes to changes. Approach should be person- centered and
humanitarian.
25a) Identify the factors that can make it more difficult for people with learning disabilities
to obtain personalized services.
Some people with learning disabilities may find difficulty to receive personalisation because
of these factors: Inability of the disabled person to communicate/ express himself well, lack
of fund or budget to get services, present condition of the disabled person place and the time
element.
25b) Describe how these factor might be overcome.
Persons that hinder personalisation can be overcome through extensive study of the case or
situation, immediate coordination with local or national agencies, discussion of the matter
and person- centered approach. This also requires the support of the family members and
relatives of the disabled person.
26) Describe the types of support people with learning disabilities and their families can
access on getting the most from a personalized social care service.
The types of support that family members/ relatives should have to have access
personalisation includes financial aspect, moral and emotional sustainability, spiritual
strength and character formation.