ALWAYS LEARN ABOUT DISABILITY + NEVER JUDGE DISABILITY A HANDBOOK AND TEXTBOOK

 

ALWAYS LEARN ABOUT DISABILITY + NEVER JUDGE DISABILITY

A HANDBOOK AND TEXTBOOK

By Sara Jane Gorman

About this book

This book is about disability, learning disabilities, mental health and other health conditions.

It brings together information about everyday life, support, accessibility, opportunities, rights and inclusion.

It is for disabled people, people with health conditions, families, carers, friends, students, professionals and anyone who wants to learn more.

The message is simple:

Always learn about disability. Never judge someone because of their disability or health condition.

Main topics covered in this book

1. Health

Physical health, learning disabilities, mental health, health conditions and other health-related difficulties. This includes understanding health needs and accessing appropriate support.

2. Accessibility and everyday access

Accessibility for disabled people in all areas of life, including housing, mobility aids, accessible information, Easy Read, building access, disabled parking, wheelchairs and accessible transport.

3. Home support and independent living

Support with everyday activities, such as cooking, shopping, housework and managing a home. This also includes choice, independence and person-centred support.

4. Careers, education and employment

Education, training, careers and employment opportunities for disabled people and people with mental health conditions. This includes workplace accessibility, reasonable adjustments and support to develop skills.

5. Talent, hobbies and interests

Recognising people's abilities, strengths, talents and interests. This includes hobbies, arts, crafts, creativity and activities at home, in the community or as part of a career.

6. Social lives and relationships

Friendship, dating, relationships, social activities, going out, counselling, emotional support and reducing isolation.

7. Public advocacy and self-advocacy

Empowering and supporting people to express their wishes, understand their rights and have a voice in decisions affecting their lives. This includes person-centred planning and self-advocacy.

8. Private and individual advocacy

Understanding and challenging issues involving rights, discrimination, hate crime, benefits, employment assessments and disputes about support or services. This includes knowing when legal advice or specialist advocacy may be needed.

9. Learning disability and mental health awareness

Providing information, training and education about learning disabilities, mental health and other health conditions.

This is particularly relevant to people interested in working with disabled people and people with mental health conditions, including students, trainees, staff and professionals.

10. All other areas of life

Disability and health can affect many different parts of everyday life. This book aims to explore additional subjects, experiences and issues that matter to individuals and their families.

The overall aim

To encourage understanding, equality, inclusion, accessibility, respect and independence.

To help people learn about disability and mental health without judgement, assumptions, blame or stigma.