Accessible Information and Communication People First (Scotland) Parents’ Group Edinburgh Local Area Coordination Parenting Project

People First Parents’ Group

What is a learning disability? People with learning disabilities have a significant lifelong condition that started before adulthood, which affects their development and which means they need help to: Understand information Learn skills Cope independently About 16,000 school age children in Scotland and 26,000 adults. Identification issues Keys to Life, Scottish Government 2013

How a learning disability might affect parents People might find it difficult to understand Complex language including reports Concepts of time and distance (half a mile or in a couple of weeks) and have difficulty Expressing themselves (in a meeting or discussion) Following a conversation (fast or unfamiliar language or mumbling)

And might need support Finding their way around new places Planning and prioritising (household tasks,cooking etc) Understanding processes (referrals etc) Concentrating Retaining new information (remembering workers names and roles) Answering quickly

Verbal information Simple words, no jargon Break it down into manageable chunks Show not tell You may need to show someone several times until they have got it Memory aids – checklist, calendar, text

Easy Read Information Short sentences Easy words – no jargon Well spaced out Large print and clear font Pictures – photos or drawings

Stories Zoe and John’s story Experiences of parents with learning difficulties 8

Experiences of parents with learning difficulties Fear Assumptions Information not in accessible formats Not understanding what’s going on No ongoing support Not enough support Not right sort of support Judged 9

We need support that is: Right from the start Flexible Ongoing In our own home: hands on and one to one From someone we trust From someone with experience in supporting people with learning difficulties It needs to include: Accessible information Independent advocacy Emotional support 10

Support Training Ongoing support with things like: Morning routines Getting ready for school or nursery Washing and brushing teeth Healthy eating Play and interaction Homework 11

Support (cont.) Going out to clubs and other activities Finding your way to new places Letters and forms Appointments Going to meetings with you Sorting out clothes Behaviour and boundaries Bedtime routines 12

CHANGE resources Easy read alternatives to Ready Steady Baby and Ready Steady Toddler given out by NHS Health Scotland through midwives and health visitors Parents often still don’t get these

...sometimes it works out well And to finish... ...sometimes it works out well 14

Contact details People First (Scotland) Jane Lewis jane.lewisp1st@btconnect.com 0131 4787707 www.peoplefirstscotland.org 15