SARA'S LEARNING DISABILITY AND MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS BLOG: 📘 Module Plan: Introduction to Learning Disability Nursing

🧑‍⚕️ Module Title

“What is Learning Disability Nursing and Why It Matters”

By the end of this module, student nurses will be able to:

Explain what learning disability nursing is.
Describe why it is needed compared to general (“normal”) nursing.
Identify the health and social inequalities faced by people with learning disabilities.
Recognize the role of advocacy, rights, and communication in care.
Reflect on their role in promoting inclusion and independence.

Understanding Learning Disabilities
- Definitions, causes, and history.
- Stigma and inclusion.
The Role of the Learning Disability Nurse
- Person-centered care.
- Supporting health, independence, and community life.
Why Different from General Nursing?
- Comparing focus on illness (general nursing) vs. independence/rights (LD nursing).
- Holistic support and lifelong care.
Health Inequalities
- Why people with learning disabilities face poorer health outcomes.
- Barriers to access (communication, discrimination, lack of understanding).
Advocacy and Rights
- Safeguarding, consent, and capacity.
- Role of LD nurses in ensuring fair treatment.
Communication and Relationships
- Easy Read, visual supports, AAC.
- Working with families, carers, and communities.

Lecture / Presentation: Overview of LD nursing.
Case Studies: Compare a hospital patient journey with a general nurse vs. an LD nurse.
Group Discussion: “Why do people with learning disabilities need specialist support?”
Role Play: Practice using Easy Read or symbols in a mock consultation.
Guest Speaker (if possible): A person with a learning disability or a practicing LD nurse.

Short Reflective Essay: “Why is learning disability nursing important?”
Presentation: Students present how an LD nurse supports a person’s health and independence.
Quiz: Key facts about LD nursing vs. general nursing.
Practical Demonstration: Show how to use an Easy Read handout with a “patient.”