Case Study 2 – Healthcare and Learning Disabilities

 

Many healthcare workers do not receive enough training about learning disabilities.

This can cause problems:

• Patients may not understand medical information

• Appointments may feel stressful

• People may feel ignored or rushed

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Good Healthcare Support

Healthcare staff should:

Communication

• Use plain English

• Avoid jargon

• Provide Easy Read information

Reasonable Adjustments

Examples include:

• Longer appointments

• Less waiting time

• Quiet waiting areas

• Clear explanations

Health Support

• Annual health checks

• Clear explanations of treatment

• Helping patients understand choices

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Activity – Healthcare Discussion

1. How should healthcare workers treat people with learning disabilities?

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2. What adjustments could help patients feel safer?

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3. Why is Easy Read important in healthcare?

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Key Message

People with learning disabilities should:

• Be respected

• Be included

• Be listened to

• Be able to make their own choices

Services should work with people, not for them.

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2. PowerPoint Training Slides

Slide 1 – Introduction

Accessible services help everyone.

Easy Read makes information easier to understand.

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Slide 2 – Case Study 1: Sally

• 40 years old

• Learning disability

• ADHD and Autism

• Wants to study and work

But she faces barriers.

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Slide 3 – Challenges Sally Faces

• Isolation

• Limited opportunities

• Poor schooling

• Low income

• Mental health struggles

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Slide 4 – Supporting Sally

Possible support:

• Adult education

• Supported employment

• Community activities

• Mental health support

• Person Centred Planning

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Slide 5 – Case Study 2: Healthcare

Many healthcare workers lack training in learning disabilities.

This can cause:

• Poor communication

• Anxiety

• Unfair treatment

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Slide 6 – Good Healthcare Support

Healthcare staff should:

• Use plain English

• Provide Easy Read information

• Offer longer appointments

• Reduce waiting times

• Respect patient choices

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Slide 7 – Person Centred Care

Person Centred Planning means:

• Listening to the person

• Supporting their choices

• Respecting independence

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Slide 8 – Discussion

Ask learners:

• How could services better support Sally?

• How can healthcare be improved?

• Why is Easy Read important?

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3. Trainer Notes

Trainer should explain:

• Learning disabilities affect communication, understanding, and daily life.

• Services must make reasonable adjustments.

• Easy Read helps people understand information and make decisions.

Encourage discussion and real-life examples.

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4. Level 1 Quiz (Example)

1. What does Easy Read help with?

A. Making information harder
B. Making information easier to understand
C. Making books longer

Correct answer: B

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2. What is Person Centred Planning?

A. A plan based on what professionals want
B. A plan focused on the person’s goals and choices
C. A plan for hospitals only

Correct answer: B

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3. What adjustment might help someone with a learning disability at a GP surgery?

A. Shorter appointments
B. Longer appointments
C. No explanation

Correct answer: B

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5. Future Case Study Ideas

You could also add:

Case Study 3 – Libraries and Accessible Reading

A person with dyslexia wants to read books but struggles with small print and complex language.

How can libraries support them?