Health professionals from Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (LPT) are highlighting how reasonable adjustments can make a huge difference for people with learning disabilities, as part of this week’s Learning Disability Week.

This year’s theme, “Do You See Me?”, highlights the importance of recognising each person’s individual preferences, needs and experiences — and the role that local healthcare services can play in providing reasonable adjustments so everyone can access the care they need.

Across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, primary care liaison nurses and other healthcare teams and services have been working alongside patients, families and GP practices to break down barriers to care to improve access to screening and annual health checks for people with a learning disability. These include the below examples of compassionate, flexible and personalised approaches which have helped people access potentially life-saving care.

  • A lady in her 60s who also has a severe mental illness completed bowel screening for the first time after staff provided trusted, female-to-female support, a home visit and accessible guidance. Additional health issues were also identified and treated.
  • A man with a learning disability who had avoided healthcare due to anxiety successfully completed his first blood test and annual health check after staff used accessible communication and distraction techniques which focused on his interests in superheroes.
  • A socially isolated man who had disengaged from healthcare was supported through home visits – urgent coordinated care was provided helping him access treatment safely and calmly.
  • A woman in her early 50s attended cervical screening for the first time after specialist staff used easy-read materials, demonstrations, relaxation techniques and family support to reduce anxiety and build understanding.
  • A woman in her late 50s completed her first breast screening after staff provided easy-read information, practical demonstrations, transport support and reassurance to help her overcome her anxiety.

Laura Smith, head of service for families, young people, children, learning disability and autism at Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, said:

“Learning Disability Week highlights the importance of inclusion, understanding, and making reasonable adjustments so people can access the care and support they deserve. It’s a chance to overcome any barriers, celebrate achievements, and share real stories that show what’s possible.

“We want to take this opportunity to remind people about the support that’s available to you so we can understand any anxieties, preferences and communication needs that you may have, to create appointments and interactions that are safe, positive and reduce any fears.

“Please contact your GP, in the first instance, to discuss the reasonable adjustments that could work for you. These include accessible and easy-read information, home visits and flexible appointments in calm environments and us working closely with your family or carers.”

Additional support available to people with learning disabilities includes:

  • The Dynamic Support Pathway co-ordinates support for people with a confirmed diagnosis of Learning Disability, Autism, or both, who are experiencing a decline in their mental health or wellbeing while living in the community to avoid needing to go into hospital. Individuals, family members or advocates can refer themselves to the DSP – more information is available on the LPT website.
  • Healthy Living Toolkits which offer advice on diet, lifestyle and physical activity with versions for people with learning disabilities, carers and professionals. For more information and to download please visit the LLR health and wellbeing partnership website.
  • Myth-busting videos to dispel myths and provide reassurance for anyone concerned about a cervical smear test. More information is available on the LLR health and wellbeing partnership website.