Adults with learning difficulties excluded

The first national survey of adults with learning difficulties in England has highlighted the extent to which they face hardship and social exclusion, with often little control over aspects of their lives such as where and how they live.

The survey focused on what life is like for people with learning difficulties, including where they live and with whom, what they do during the day and what are their needs, wants and aspirations. Views were also collected on the support received by individuals.

The survey was carried out by the Health and Social Care Information Centre, based on interviews with almost 3,000 people with learning difficulties.

According to the Information Centre the survey is the first of its kind to be carried out ever national survey about the lives of people with learning difficulties in England and the first time this has been carried out anywhere in the world.

The survey found one in six people with learning difficulties of a ‘working age’ had a paid job, compared to UK averages of 67% of men and 53% of women with paid jobs. Nearly three in four people had been to a special school. One in ten had been to a special unit in a mainstream school. Less than one in five had been to ordinary classes in mainstream school.

One in three people surveyed said that they did not feel safe either in their homes, their local area or using public transport. While two out of three people in supported accommodation had no choice over with whom or where they lived.

Professor Denise Lievesley, Chief Executive of the Health and Social Care Information Centre, said the report brings together information on the lives of people with learning difficulties for the first time.

“The results highlight the extent of hardship and social exclusion faced by people with learning difficulties in terms of material hardship, employment opportunities and social participation," said Professor Lievesley.

She continued: “The results show that some people with learning difficulties are more likely to be socially excluded and face adversity than others. People with learning difficulties from poorer backgrounds from minority ethnic communities are particularly at risk."

Professor Lievesley added that the research was important tool in identifying how much more needs to be done "if people with learning difficulties are to ‘be respected and included as equal members of society".

The Health and Social Care Information centre said that results from the survey, which was carried out in 2003-2004, will be made available on a mini-website www.friendlyreports.org.uk, which will be online from the third week in October. The website will give easy access to the information with audio buttons, and hearing enhancement for those with literacy problems. Written in an accessible style, the report is available now from www.ic.nhs.uk/pubs/