A comprehensive introduction to working with people with learning disabilities, this guide provides the theoretical understanding needed to inform good practice and to help improve the quality of life of people within this group. Using accessible language and case examples, the authors discuss both psychological and practical theories, including: * person-centred and behavioural approaches * anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive approaches * systems theory * task centred approach * role theory. Emphasising empowerment and inclusion of those with learning disabilities, they relate theory to issues such as loss and bereavement, sexuality and social stigma. They also provide guidance for practitioners on social policy and legislation and explore crisis intervention, values and ethics, advocacy and joint agency work, making this an extremely useful resource for social workers, nurses, teachers care workers and others working with people with learning disabilities.

This multi-disciplinary textbook provides a comprehensive guide for anyone working with people with learning disabilities. It considers how we can engage with people with learning disabilities and their networks of relationships. Throughout, the book demonstrates how theory can be applied to practice with a wide range of contemporary examples. Each chapter is written by a key clinician or writer in this area, incorporating the disciplines of nursing, clinical psychology, and psychotherapy. The chapters also include summaries, reflective questions and explanations of key terms to reinforce themes and topics. The authors provide practical ideas for applying theory across agency contexts including inpatient hospital settings and explore the potential opportunities and future directions for the field. This is a must-read book for students who work with people with learning disabilities including nurses, psychologists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, psychiatrists and social workers.

This title is directed primarily towards health care professionals outside of the United States. It is the authoritative textbook for students of learning disabilities covering a wide variety of topics. It is relevant not only for nursing courses, but also for care workers, OTs, and other professional and non-professional carers. The new edition has been completely updated and includes the latest evidence for practice. There are new chapters which means the book provides comprehensive coverage of learning disablities throughout a person's life. There are also new contributors, including people with learning disabilities. Each chapter is supported by information on further reading and other resources.

This book is aimed primarily at occupational therapy undergraduate students, but will be of use to new practitioners working in the field of learning disability and other students studying topics related to learning disabilities. It meets perceived learning needs in line with theory and practice outcomes and provides an understanding of the current issues in health and social care for people with a learning disability. It provides a basis for further learning and the depth reflects present curricula demands and expectations in line with professional practice. There are also contributions and comments from service users with a learning disability.This book is aimed primarily at occupational therapy undergraduate students, but will be of use to new practitioners working in the field of learning disability and other students studying topics related to learning disabilities. It meets learning needs in line with theory and practice outcomes and provides an understanding of the current issues in health and social care for people with a learning disability. It provides a basis for further learning and the depth reflects present curricula demands and expectations in line with professional practice. There are also contributions and comments from service users with a learning disability. - Informative text supported by reflective activities - Reflects changes in service provision subsequent to "A Strategy for the 21st Century" - Case scenarios and self assessment tasks - Advises on further reading - Offers occupational therapy focus on issues that are also relevant to other health professionals

Sexuality and Women with Learning Disabilities makes a significant contribution to both feminist and disability literature, because it challenges common assumptions about the sexuality of people with learning disabilities, forces a reconsideration of how this group of people are viewed by those around them and links gender and disability in its analysis.' -Tizard Learning Disability Review 'By tackling issues that have received little meaningful attention, McCarthy both makes a valuable contribution to the literature and provides a useful practical guide to those wishing to support their clients more effectively.' - Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Care 'The thoroughness and attention to detail with which McCarthy has investigated and written about the sexual lives of a small number of women with mild to moderate learning difficulties is to be commended. Drawing upon interviews with the women who participated in this study, there is explicit detail about the reality of their sexual lives that overall comes across as sad, poignant and often shocking, with a high level of sexual abuse revealed... however, McCarthy has a strong code of ethics and sensitivity and a reflexive honesty about her role and stance as a feminist researcher that removes any possibility or suggestion of prurient voyeurism or exploitation being a part of this research. McCarthy writes as a woman with and about women, allowing their voices about their sexual experiences to be heard through the medium of in-depth interviews. Within the book, the sexual experiences of women with learning disabilities are set in a wider policy and practice framework and discussed in relation to ideologies surrounding learning disability, gender and sexuality in a cultural context. The book ends with a chapter discussing and listing policy and practice recommendations, including suggestions about changes to the law... Overall, this was a convincing and compelling book that deserves serious attention and I would strongly recommend it to anyone with an interest in learning disability issues, including practitioners, carers, relatives, advocates and counsellors.' - CSPRD Newsletter In this study of women with mild and moderate learning disabilities, Michelle McCarthy investigates how these women experience their sexual lives, basing her research on interviews with the women themselves. She argues the importance of informing the work of those responsible at research, practice and policy levels with the voices of people with learning disabilities. In the interviews, women talk openly about what form their sexual activity takes and what it means for them, the circumstances in which it occurs, and the pleasures (or lack thereof) associated with it. These interviews directly shape the policy and practice recommendations the author makes. Michelle McCarthy's findings suggest that women with learning disabilities commonly find themselves engaged in sexual activity which is not to their liking and not of their choosing. A high level of sexual abuse was also reported. The author discusses this in relation to the cultural forces which have influenced Western perceptions of sexuality, feminism and theories and prejudices about learning disabilities. She also studied the impact of institutional and community settings on the sexuality of women with learning disabilities. In Sexuality and Women with Learning Disabilities, McCarthy makes recommendations for policy and practice which will protect this vulnerable group, and advises on education, support and seeking justice for abused women.

Learning Disability Nursing at a Glance is the perfect companion for study and revision from the publishers of the market-leading at a Glance series. This visual, dynamic and user-friendly resource addresses the key principles underpinning contemporary learning disability nursing practice, relates them to key clinical practice issues, and explores them in the context of maintaining health and well-being. Exploring the full spectrum of care, this textbook addresses the needs of people with learning disabilities across the life span, from children through to adolescents and on to adults and older people. Aimed at nursing, health and social care students, as well as registered nurses, this is an invaluable resource for all those looking to consolidate and expand their knowledge, in order to provide safe, effective and compassionate care to people with learning disabilities. The perfect revision and consolidation textbook Highly visual colour presentation, with full colour illustrations throughout Includes expert contributions from learning disability academic staff as well as clinicians Embraces both primary and secondary care perspectives Supported by a companion website featuring case studies to further test your knowledge Available in a range of digital formats- perfect for ‘on the go’ study and revision This title is also available as a mobile App from MedHand Mobile Libraries. Buy it now from iTunes, Google Play or the MedHand Store.

Learning Disabilities is an accessible introductory textbook that will help to improve the quality of care provided to people with learning disabilities. It is aimed primarily at nursing and healthcare students who are not in the learning disabilities field of practice but are seeking to understand learning disability and become rounded practitioners. Through clear explanations, examples and activities, the book will help you to recognise, support and care for people with learning disabilities whenever you meet them in your practice. You will learn: What learning disability is and how it interacts with physical and mental health What the role of the nurse or carer is and how to care for and provide support to people with learning disabilities About legal issues around learning disability including discrimination, capacity and consent How to support people with a learning disability who are experiencing ageing and suffering bereavement About spirituality and sexuality in relation to people with a learning disability How to support the informal unpaid caregivers who provide daily care to a person with a learning disability, and how to recognise and utilise their experience and knowledge. Written by a highly experienced author, academic and caregiver, this book will help you to improve your understanding of learning disability and to provide the high quality care to which people with learning disabilities are entitled.

"The editors have brought together a range of eminent contributors who present a range of issues throughout the life cycle. The book asserts that it hopes to 'assist readers to anticipate change and discontinuity in people's lives and think about strategies to support them' through the many challenges that they may face in their lives. In my view this book certainly does that and the editors and contributors are to be congratulated on the production of a relevant and contemporary text that I have no hesitation in both endorsing and recommending to all involved in supporting and or caring for people with learning disabilities." Professor Bob Gates, Project Leader - Learning Disabilities Workforce Development, NHS Education South Central, UK "The editors have gathered an authoritative faculty to present and discuss a range of contemporary issues; both practical and ethical. The text is well grounded in the lived experience of people with disability and draws on the evidence-base of contemporary science. Each chapter includes thought provoking exercises. This is a seminal text for students and practitioners, researchers and policy makers." Associate Professor Keith R. McVilly, Deakin University, Australia "I currently own a copy of the first edition and it has proved an invaluable resource time and time again. There is not an essay I complete that does not make reference to the book and I can consistently use it to reflect back on my practice as a student nurse and social worker. Having read several extracts from the new edition it does appear to include very high quality content covering learning disabilities over the lifespan ... if I were to personally recommend any book for budding or current learning disability professionals then this would be it." James Grainger, Student Nurse/Social Worker, Sheffield Hallam University, UK "I like the way it has primary and secondary information from a range of sources. The exercises in the book also get you to think about the situation in question which helps us think about our values and anti-oppressive practice ... This book really does start with the basics and having a learning disability from birth and the effects, to in depth knowledge and literature ... This book would be very helpful to me as it brings in literature policies and models from both a health and social side, which is important for my course and collaborative working." Laura Jean Lowe, Student Nurse, Sheffield Hallam University, UK "It is written with a clearly conveyed in-depth knowledge and in a way that has professional lived experience within the context of the work. The authors have taken into account the emotional, client-centred approach to the modern practitioner's practice ... The book gives a true wealth of good practice scenarios that can only help practitioners be good at what they do and aspire to be." Lee Marshall, Student Nurse, Sheffield Hallam University, UK With its spread of chapters covering key issues across the life cycle this text has established itself as the foundational primer for those studying the lived experiences of people with learning disabilities and their families, and outcomes achieved through services and support systems. Recognising learning disability as a lifelong disability, this accessible book is structured around the life cycle. The second edition is refreshed and expanded to include seven new chapters, covering: Aetiology Breaking news (about disability) and early intervention Transition to adulthood The sexual lives of women Employment Personalisation People with hidden identities With contributions from respected figures from a range of disciplines, the book draws heavily upon multidisciplinary perspectives and is based on the latest research and evidence for practice. The text is informed by medical, social and legal models of learning disability, exploring how "learning disability" is produced, reproduced and understood. Extensive use is made of real-life case studies, designed to bring theory, values, policy and practice to life. Narrative chapters describe, in the words of people with learning disabilities themselves, their lives and aspirations. They helpfully show readers the kinds of roles played by families, advocates and services in supporting people with learning disabilities. New exercises and questions have been added to encourage discussion and reflection on practice. Learning Disability is core reading for students entering health and social care professions to work with people with learning disabilities. It is a compelling reference text for practitioners as it squarely addresses the challenges facing people with learning disability, their loved ones and the people supporting them. Contributors Dawn Adams, Kathryn Almack, Dorothy Atkinson, Nigel Beail, Christine Bigby, Alison Brammer, Jacqui Brewster, Hilary Brown, Jennifer Clegg, Lesley Cogher, Helen Combes, Clare Connors, Bronach Crawley, Eric Emerson, Margaret Flynn, Linda Gething, Dan Goodley, Peter Goward, Gordon Grant, Chris Hatton, Sheila Hollins, Jane Hubert, Kelley Johnson, Gwynnyth Llewellyn, Heather McAlister, Michelle McCarthy, Alex McClimens, Roy McConkey, David McConnell, Keith McKinstrie, Fiona Mackenzie, Ghazala Mir, Ada Montgomery, Lesley Montisci, Elizabeth Murphy, Chris Oliver, Richard Parrott, Paul Ramcharan, Malcolm Richardson, Bronwyn Roberts, Philippa Russell, Kirsten Stalker, Martin Stevens, John Taylor, Irene Tuffrey-Wijne, Sally Twist, Jan Walmsley, Kate Woodcock

A complete reference to all types of learning disabilities.

This book provides an overview of dance movement psychotherapy for young people and adults with learning disabilities. Contributors from a variety of backgrounds examine their work with clients from across the disabilities spectrum, ranging from mild to complex needs. The book chapters present theory and practice relating to the client group and subsequent therapy processes. This comprises psychotherapeutic interventions, dance movement interventions, theoretical constructs, case study material, practitioner care, and practitioner learning and development related to individual and group therapy work. The logistics of a Dance Movement Psychotherapy intervention, the intervention itself and the ripples of influence into the clients’ wider socio-cultural context are discussed. This stance speaks to current research and practice discourse in health and social care. The book champions acceptance of difference and equality in the health and social care needs for people with learning disabilities whilst emphasising the importance of dance movement psychotherapy for people with non-verbal communication. Dance Movement Psychotherapy with People with Learning Disabilities: Out of the Shadows, into the Light will provide a practical and theoretical resource for practitioners and students of dance movement psychotherapy as well as allied health professionals, service providers and carers.