Health Needs of People with Learning Disability

The notion of addressing bad health and promoting good health among people with learning disabilities is relatively new. Concepts of normalisation of services, integration of people into local communities and providing an inclusive (rather than exclusive) ethos for care have led to the understanding that people with learning disabilities have the right to be treated with the same respect as everyone else. Recognition of their spiritual, legal, political, and sexual rights has therefore been near the top of the agenda for some time now. The last piece in the jigsaw is recognition of their right to live long and healthy lives the subject of this book.

The book takes a very practical focus, and incorporates short case studies, practice examples, think points and action points. It is nevertheless grounded in solid theory.

There are four sections, working from the general political and professional factors which impinge on health, through to specific strategies for assisting individuals to improve health and reduce high-risk behaviours. The focus throughout is the person with learning disabilities any health models or pieces of legislation are reviewed in this light.