Hate and Mate Crime Against People with Learning Disabilities:

Pre Workshop Presentation

Dr Joel ParkerClinical Psychologist

Overview What does it mean to

say that someone has learning disabilities?

What are the challenges people with learning disabilities face?

How do we support people with Learning disabilities in Islington?

So… what does it mean to say someone has learning disabilities?

If someone has learning disabilities it means (1)…

That they have a significant impairment in “intellectual functioning”.

This means they find thinking and reasoning,

This is usually measured using IQ tests.

Someone with learning disabilities has to be in the bottom 2%.

This usually means that their IQ is below 70.

If someone has learning disabilities it means (2)…

“ They also have an

impairment in adaptive functioning.

The person might need help with eating and drinking, personal care and getting dressed.

Or it could be more subtle areas of social problem solving and social reasoning.

If someone has learning disabilities it means (3)…

These impairments date back to childhood.

• Problems only with reading, writing, numeracy (i.e. specific learning difficulties)

• Dyslexia or dyspraxia• Asperger’s syndrome or high

functioning autism• Conditions like attention deficit

hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)• Emotional/social problems that have

disrupted schooling or affected development

• Acquired brain injury• Mental health problems

What learning disabilities are not

Learning disabilities(Mild degree)

◦ Able to hold a conversation◦ Independent in most aspect

of self and social care◦ basic reading and writing

skills◦ Usually able to maintain

social relationship and employment

For this group primary care services will provide most of their health care with little need for input from specialist teams

Learning disabilities described (Moderate degree)

Usually have some verbal communication skillsAble to carry out self-care tasks with moderate supervisionCan often manage in community settings with moderate degree of supervision

Likely to need some support in negotiating and accessing health care service

Learning Disabilities(Severe and profound degree)

Very limited or specialist communication skills

Often additional physical disabilities or mobility problems

Require a much greater level of support in most aspect of life, including identifying and meeting health related problems

Challenges for people with Learning Disabilities

More likely to live in areas of high deprivation

Growing awareness of hate/mate crime.

Abuse reported re. 3% of adults with LD (2011 figures): of these 38% physical abuse, 18% emotional/psychological abuse, 18% neglect, 13% financial abuse, 9% sexual abuse.

Challenges for people with Learning Disabilities

Only 7% in in paid employment.

2.5 times more likely to have health problems

Life expectancy 24 years shorter than national average.

Islington Learning Disabilities Partnership- Who are we?

• The partnership is a multidisciplinary team.• Wide range of social care and health care

professionals.

Islington Learning Disabilities Partnership

• Based in Drayton Park near the Emirates stadium.

• Work with adults who have learning disabilities who live in Islington or where Islington responsible.

• Also work with people’s support network

What does Islington Learning Disabilities Partnership do?

• Specialist assessment intervention and support.

• Provide training for carers, support workers and other professionals in main stream services.

• Support family members who are carers.

• Safeguarding.