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Category Archives: Learning disability
Tailor-made technology: systems and support in social care
TweetJulie Heightley was so worried about her son Thomas suffering an epileptic fit at night that for two years she slept on a camp bed outside his room. The broken sleep and constant supervision of Thomas, who has autism and … Continue reading
Posted in Disability, Health, Learning disability, Social care, Third sector, Wellbeing, Young people
Tagged charity, disability, health, learning disability, older people, service users, third sector, young people
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“It’s important that while I’m having fun, Stanley is having a great time too”
Tweet Stanley Holes is, says his little brother Albie in the brief video diary above, simply “the best brother I could ever have.” Albie’s love for his 16-year-old brother is reflected in this short film which I just watched and … Continue reading
Posted in Disability, Education, Learning disability, Social care, Third sector, Uncategorized
Tagged charity, education, learning disability, service users, third sector, young people
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“People who have a learning disability have the right to good services, choices and a good life”
TweetIf only more people had the chance to develop in confidence like Laura Minett. Laura, who I interviewed for a Guardian social care piece today, works as an expert by experience. Her part-time role through the charity which supports her, … Continue reading
Posted in Disability, Employment, Learning disability, Social care, Uncategorized
Tagged charity, employment, learning disability, service users
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Panto and parity
TweetHappy New Year – and seeing as we’ve just had panto season (oh yes we have – sorry, couldn’t resist) here’s one fairy tale I wish would come true: Once upon a time, in a land far away, people who … Continue reading
Posted in Learning disability, Music & arts, Uncategorized
Tagged learning disability, music & arts
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Bricks and mobility: buildings and disability history
TweetA gap in a church wall speaks volumes about the history of disability in England; lepers’ squints allowed people with leprosy to see the pulpit and hear the service through a small chink in the stonework, without coming into contact … Continue reading
Posted in Disabiloty, Health, Housing, Learning disability, Social exclusion, Third sector, Uncategorized
Tagged charity, education, employment, health, housing, learning disability, third sector
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Learning disability charity needs your vote in e-card competition
Tweet Okay, so it isn’t yet December, but can you really look at this this frosty little fellow and fail to feel even a tiny bit festive? He’s just one artistic entry in the charity Netbuddy’s Christmas e-card competition The … Continue reading
Posted in Disability, Learning disability, Third sector, Young people
Tagged charity, learning disability, young people
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Fragile X on film: how Mission to Lars could change attitudes
Tweet“Oh really? But she’s so good at dance” was the response of an acquaintance who misheard my explanation that my daughter Raana has fragile X syndrome – she thought I’d said “fragile legs”. Amusing though this incident from a few … Continue reading
Posted in Disability, Learning disability, media & communication, Music & arts, Olympics, Uncategorized
Tagged learning disability, music & arts
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Who dares, swims…
TweetJuly 1984, a Sussex school swimming gala; my 12-year-old self is poised above the sunlight-dappled pool, ready to slice through and glide under the surface like an elegant water nymph. Sneaking a glance at my competitors, I’m surprised to see … Continue reading
Posted in Disability, Learning disability, Third sector, Uncategorized
Tagged charity, learning disability, third sector
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Buddies: social skills for children with special needs
TweetMaking eye contact is difficult for Mason Milne, who has autism, and making friends is even harder. Yet the 11-year-old has met both challenges while at a special needs holiday club near his home in Colchester, Essex, over the last … Continue reading
Posted in Learning disability, Social care, Social exclusion, Uncategorized
Tagged learning disability, schools, young people
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A perspective on the Paralympics
TweetThere’s no shortage of media coverage of the Olympics and Paralympics, but one new online platform offers a unique and important perspective on the games. Games Through Our Eyes is an accessible website for the 2012 Paralympic Games created by … Continue reading
