Have your say on learning disability services for children and young people in Luton

Learning disability is defined by Mencap as “a reduced intellectual ability and difficulty with everyday activities which affects someone for their whole life”. People with a learning disability tend to take longer to learn and may need support to develop new skills, understand complicated information and interact with other people.

Learning disability is sometimes confused with learning difficulties such as dyslexia, ADHD or autism. These are learning difficulties because they do not affect intellect. However, people with these conditions could also have a learning disability.

The council’s public health and wellbeing team is working to comprehensively identify needs and unmet needs for children and young people with a learning disability across health, care and education. To do this, they need to hear from the parents and carers of children and young people with a learning disability who use these services.

The aim of this survey is to look at the impact of Learning Disability services in Luton on the lives of children and young people with a learning disability and their families and inform actions on the steps that need to be taken to improve services based on their feedback.

Cllr Khtija Malik, portfolio holder for health and wellbeing said: “We believe that children, young people and adults with a learning disability in Luton have the right to the same opportunities as anyone else and, to be treated with the same dignity and respect.

“They should be able to access the services and support they need to live a healthy, safe and fulfilling life within their community.”

The survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. This survey provides an opportunity for parents and carers of children and young people with a learning disability to inform future services that will affect their lives and the lives of the person they care for and put the spotlight on the needs of our young learning disabled population.

To have your say on the consultation visit https://www.luton.gov.uk/Learning-disability-questionnaire and complete the survey by 31 March 2020.