Working with People who have a Learning Disability and ...

1 Working with People who have a Learning Disability and Complex needs the essentials NHS Education for Scotland 2011. You can copy or reproduce the information in this document for use within NHSS cotland and for non-commercial educational purposes. Use of this document for commercial purposes is permitted only with the written permission of to Working with People who have a Learning Disability and Complex needs the essentialsThis Learning resource has been developed by Edinburgh Napier University, The University of Stirling and The Learning Disability Managed Care Network.

2 The resource aims to offer workers supporting People with a Learning Disability and complex needs opportunities to develop their knowledge, skills and values in ways that maximise the involvement of service users and families and increase health and wellbeing. To promote the provision of support that maximises quality of life, choice, opportunity and materials have been designed to present a contemporary picture, be engaging for learners and enable learners to apply Learning in a range of practice settings. This is a work based Learning resource with a focus on learners reflecting on their own practice, enabling learners to make changes in their practice that can positively impact on the experiences of service users, families and carers.

3 The materials aim to support change by presenting key topics in relation to Working with People who have a Learning Disability and complex needs and practical guidance to help workers develop new roles, relationships and ways of Working with service users, families and wider Learning materials consist of six modulesAt the start of each module we estimate the number of hours it should take to complete. The level of study involved in the modules links to the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). The module content Working with People who have a Learning Disability and Complex Needs the essentials Modules:1.

4 Module 1 A Contemporary Overview2. Module 2 Understanding Complexity across the Lifespan for People with Multiple Disabilities3. Module 3 Managing Physical health and Well Being4. Module 4 Complexity in Care and Communication5. Module 5 Managing and Understanding Complicated Behaviours6. Module 6 Mental Health and Well Beingand Learning outcomes have been developed to reflect a level of Learning that equates with Level 8 on the SCQF. This is equivalent to the level of study you would undertake in the second year of an ordinary degree do I undertake this Learning ?

5 The Learning materials have been designed so they can be studied as a self-directed Learning resource, but we recommend that opportunities for facilitated group discussions should be offered to help learners put individual experiences into broader context and enhance Learning . This can be achieved by:Introduction Setting up a Learning group Using existing opportunities such as supervision, team meetings or away daysLearning will be significantly enhanced by opportunities to share and discuss ideas with others and Learning support and supervision should be provided for the duration of the Learning .

6 Some of the activities clearly lend themselves to group hope these Learning materials will provide you with new knowledge, skills and values and encourage you to implement new ways of Working with service users and their families. Reflecting on your practice is essential during Learning . You are required to reflect deeply on yourself and your experiences and this can be a challenging experience for many. Being part of a study group will give you the opportunity to gain from mutual support, share your Learning and gain insights from other People s is no set timescale suggested for completing the Learning resource and while the materials could be delivered as an intensive, facilitated course delivered over a block of days.

7 We would suggest that Learning will be enhanced if the materials are studied over 12-16 weeks. This will give learners time to reflect on their Learning in the context of their OutcomesLearning outcomes give you an idea of what you should know or be able to do on completion of the Learning . Each module has specific Learning outcomes; if you complete all the modules you should achieve the overall Learning outcomes shown OutcomesOn completion of the Learning resource you should be able to:1. Demonstrate understanding of the complex and multiple factors which influence the support and care of People with a Learning Disability and complex needs in a range of care settings2.

8 Critically reflect on the essential skills required to provide person-centred and evidence based support and interventions for People with a Learning Disability with complex needs3. Demonstrate a respect for diversity and an understanding of the impact of discrimination on People with a Learning Disability and their family carers, demonstrating a commitment to challenging any equalities experienced by People with a Learning Disability and complex needs and their families/carers4. Critically reflect on your own current practices and values and how these may be developed to maximise opportunities for People with a Learning Disability and complex needs to make choices about how People live their lives and have those choices respected and acted upon wherever possible5.

9 Explore the knowledge and skills required to provide person centred and outcome focused evidence based support and interventions for People with a Learning Disability and complex needs that can be applied in a range of care settingsModule 1:A Contemporary Overview IntroductionThis module will provide a contemporary overview of the needs of People with a Learning Disability . We will briefly consider definitions, terms and prevalence and historical perspectives before exploring in more depth the changing picture of needs, models of care and the principles on which care is based.

10 A number of concepts introduced in this module will be returned to throughout the Learning resource such as person centred approaches to care, interprofessional Working and maximising opportunities for People with Learning disabilities and complex needs. On completion of this module you should be able to: Explore your understanding of what it means to have a Learning Disability and complex needs Demonstrate an understanding of the development of services for People with a Learning Disability and the key issues for contemporary practice Critically reflect on the changing picture of needs and how this may impact on your role.