Easy Read Trainer Lesson Plan Notes Learning Disability & Mental Health Module

 

Session Overview

This lesson plan supports trainers delivering:

• Learning Disability Awareness
• Mental Health Awareness
• Communication Skills
• Support Strategies

Suitable for:

• Students
• Trainees
• Support workers
• Nurses
• Care staff

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Session Aims

By the end of the session learners will:

• Understand learning disability
• Understand mental health
• Recognise complex needs
• Identify barriers people face
• Learn communication skills
• Understand support strategies

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Session Length

Recommended: 2–3 hours
(Can be adapted to half‑day or full‑day training.)

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Resources Needed

Trainer should prepare:

• Easy Read PowerPoint
• Printed handouts
• Case study sheets
• Flipchart / whiteboard
• Pens and paper

Optional:

• Symbols / picture cards
• Communication aids examples

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Session Structure

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1. Introduction (15 minutes)

Trainer to:

• Welcome learners
• Introduce topic
• Explain session aims
• Set ground rules

Ground rules may include:

• Respect
• Confidentiality
• Listening
• No judgement

Activity:

Ask learners:

“What do you think learning disability means?”

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2. Understanding Learning Disability (20 minutes)

Trainer explains:

• What a learning disability is
• How it affects daily life
• Independence skills

Examples to discuss:

• Cooking
• Money
• Travel
• Communication

Activity:

Group discussion on support needs.

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3. Understanding Mental Health (20 minutes)

Trainer explains:

• Emotional wellbeing
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Stress

Discuss how mental health affects behaviour and daily life.

Activity:

Learners name signs of poor mental health.

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4. Dual Diagnosis & Complex Needs (20 minutes)

Trainer explains:

• Some people have both conditions
• This is called dual diagnosis
• Complex needs require multi‑support

Discuss Autism & ADHD links to anxiety.

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5. Barriers People Face (20 minutes)

Trainer explores barriers:

Health:

• Accessing services
• Understanding information

Daily living:

• Cooking
• Cleaning

Money:

• Budgeting

Personal care:

• Hygiene

Activity:

Barrier mapping exercise.

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Break (10–15 minutes)

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6. Communication Skills (25 minutes)

Trainer explains:

• Easy Read
• Pictures & symbols
• Simple language
• Processing time

Activity:

Learners rewrite a sentence into Easy Read.

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7. Reasonable Adjustments (20 minutes)

Examples:

• Longer appointments
• Quiet waiting rooms
• Hospital passports
• Carer involvement

Discussion:

Why adjustments matter.

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8. Mental Health Support & Coping Skills (20 minutes)

Trainer covers:

• Talking therapies
• Medication
• Behaviour support
• Coping strategies

Examples:

• Breathing exercises
• Grounding
• Routine building

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9. Case Study Activity – Alex (30 minutes)

The trainer presents an employment scenario.

Group task:

Learners discuss:

• Strengths
• Support needs
• Work adjustments
• Confidence building

Optional role play.

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10. Knowledge Check (15 minutes)

Trainer asks recap questions:

• What is dual diagnosis?
• What are complex needs?
• Name one barrier.
• Name one coping skill.

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11. Reflection & Close (10 minutes)

Learners reflect on:

• What they learned
• Skills gained
• How practice may change

Trainer thanks group and provides next steps.

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Trainer Tips

• Use simple language
• Check understanding
• Encourage discussion
• Use real examples
• Be inclusive and respectful

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End of Lesson Plan

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