Caring for People with Learning Disabilities CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY KEY TERMS
المؤلف:
IAN PEATE & DEBRA FEARNS
المصدر:
Teaching and Learning in a Multilingual School
الجزء والصفحة:
P3-C1
2025-10-03
254
Caring for People with Learning Disabilities
CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY
KEY TERMS
The choice of terms used in this text is diverse. It is important to defi ne terms from the beginning; different terms may mean different things to different people. There are a variety of terms that can be used to describe people with learning disabilities. The use of any term has the ability to label the person to whom the term is being applied. Labelling may lead to prejudice and dis crimination, and can result in stigmatization. Stigma is powerful and can have negative consequences for an individual’s identity.
Often, the term ‘patient’ is used in healthcare settings. Not everyone supports its use, as it has passive connotations associated with it; it can also highlight the medical focus of the relationship between the person and the service. On occasions, ‘client’ is used; this has the ability to stress the professional nature of the relationship. More recently, the term ‘expert’ has been used, with the emphasis on a participative approach, acknowledging a per son’s capacity to work towards his/her own rehabilitation. Experts are seen to be equal partners with experts who provide care, such as a nurse or doctor. Not everyone is keen on the term ‘service user’ or ‘user’. The term ‘user’ may also have negative connotations associated with it. It may be used to single out those who use illicit substances.
‘Adults with a learning disability’ is a term that has been used in the title of this text and also in this introductory aspect too. This is a broad definition, often used by various health and social care agencies. It has the potential to recognize that many people can and do have a learning disability, but they may not necessarily have an illness or a disease.
Various terms are used in this text with the aim of promoting the care and support of individuals with learning disabilities. The terms we have used address a wide range of experiences that may affect members of our society. In order to avoid stigma, prejudice and stereotyping, listen to and respect the terminology that is being used by those who are living with a learning disability.
The word ‘carer’ has been used on many occasions. It is used to describe those who look after others, whether they be ill or healthy, or have a disability. ‘Carer’ has many interpretations and may refer to an employed healthcare provider or someone who provides care that is unpaid. It has been estimated that there are approximately 6 million unpaid carers in the United Kingdom (Carers UK 2005); this includes parents, grandparents and siblings who are looking after people with learning disabilities.
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