If you are an adult with a learning disability we will support you with a range of services to help you live as independently as possible.
Overview
We support adults in RCT with a learning disability and the people who care for them.
We work directly with you and your parents and carers to support you to access a range of services to help you live as independently as possible.
Who it is for (eligibility)
You are eligible for support from us if you are over the age of 18 and have a professional diagnosis of a learning disability (also known as intellectual developmental disorder).
A diagnosis is made by a medical professional, often a psychiatrist.
To be diagnosed with a learning disability, you must have:
- a significantly reduced ability to understand information and to learn new skills. For example, an IQ of less than 70.
- a significantly reduced ability to cope independently with everyday life.
- had the impairment before the age of 18 and that resulted in a lifelong developmental impact
Who it is not for
A Learning disability is a specific diagnosed condition. You must meet the criteria above for us to support you.
A learning disability is not:
- a learning difficulty such as ADHD, Dyspraxia or Dyslexia
- neurodivergent conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder
You may have aquired a brain injury after the age of 18. This does not meet the criteria to have had a developmental impact on you and we cannot offer you support through our service.
If you have any these conditions and want to find out what support is available to you, call us on 01443 425003.
How we can help you
Assessing your needs
We will speak with you and the people who support you to identify what matters to you and what your personal goals are.
You may need help with:
- life after leaving school
- using public transport
- housing
- understanding your rights
- making difficult choices
Developing your support plan
We will agree a plan and work together with you to meet your needs.
We could arrange:
- time at a day centre
- volunteering
- work experience
- training to use the bus or train
- supported living accommodation
- payments which allow you to arrange your own care and support
- an advocate to support you in difficult situations
Supporting your best interests
The Mental Capacity Act (MCA) protects people aged 16 and over who may need support to make decisions about their care and treatment.
We will give you the support, information and time you need to make decisions for yourself.
If there are concerns about your capacity to make a decsion independently, we will assess whether you can:
- understand the information needed to make a decision
- remember the information long enough to make the decision
- weigh up the options
- communicate your decision
If you are unable to make a particular decision we will involve you as much as possible. We will consider your wishes and views, and speak to people who know and support you, such as family members, carers, advocates or anyone legally appointed to act on your behalf. We will ensure that any decision made on your behalf is in your best interests.
Request support
If you think you would qualify for help from us, firstly contact your care worker if you have one.
If not, you can call us to request support:
Call: 01443 425003