Guest blog by Allyson McDougall from NHS Education Scotland (NES)’s Essentials of Learning Disability

We know that people with learning disabilities experience some of the greatest physical and mental health inequalities in society, and that their needs are often not recognised or well understood.   The team at NHS Education for Scotland (NES) set out to create learning which establishes a strong foundation for understanding the needs and experiences of people with learning disabilities.  This developed from review of an existing learning resource, leading to the first phase of Essentials of Learning Disability which launched in May 2024.

Designed to be flexible to meet learners’ needs, Essentials of Learning Disability consists of clusters of short online learning modules.  The initial eighteen modules include topics such as What is a learning disability?, Stigma, Common health conditions, Sensory processing and Psychological wellbeing.  Each module contains a variety of formats to support learning and reflection, and should take between 30-50 minutes to complete.

While some modules may be considered essential, others offer more specific learning in key areas.  Learners, managers and organisations can select the modules most relevant to their needs.  The resource is aimed at everyone providing support for people with learning disabilities.  This includes those working in specialist services, as well as staff in settings accessed by people with learning disabilities, such as primary or acute health care services.  Essentials of Learning Disability is also suitable for paid and unpaid carers.  The resource is free and available via Turas Learn – anyone can sign up for an account.

These modules are the first part in what we aim to be a comprehensive introduction to understanding people with learning disabilities. New modules will continue to be developed in partnership with people with learning disabilities and others across services.  Feedback is welcomed and a form is available at the end of each module, or you can contact us at LearningDisability@nes.scot.nhs.uk