Understand the Context of Supporting Individuals with Learning Disabilities

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Understanding the Context of Supporting Individuals with Learning Disabilities

1.1 Most of the laws which concern people who have a learning disability also apply to other people. The main laws that are likely to make a difference to the lives of people who have learning disabilities are concerned with promoting:
 ▫️human rights
 ▫️anti-discriminatory behaviour 
 ▫️equality
 ▫️inclusion citizenship 
 Legislation aimed at promoting the human rights, inclusion, equal life chances and citizenship of individuals with learning disabilities include: 
 ▫️The Human Rights Act 1998 - the act covers: 
 * The right to life
 * Protection against torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment
 * Freedom from slavery and forced labour
 * Liberty and security of a person
 * A fair and public trial within a reasonable time
 * No punishment without law
 * Respect for private and family life, home and correspondence
 * Freedom of thought, conscience and religion
 * Freedom of expression
 * Freedom of assembly and association
 * The right to marry and found a family
 * Prohibition of discrimination in enjoyment of convention rights
 ▫️The Disability Discrimination Act 1995
 ▫️The Mental Capacity Act 2005
 ▫️The Equality Act 2010

1.2. Policy makers can influence important decisions that affect people's everyday lives. Policies should be based on the social model of disability, aimed at empowering people. People who have learning disability are the experts in their own lives and their views are an essential part of any evidence base. Involving these people throughout the process of policy development will help identify gaps in knowledge and give an indication of whether the policy will work in the short and long term. Understanding the perspective, needs and priorities of people who have learning disabilities will help in the development of better policies
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