A programme of events is taking place in Jersey this week to raise awareness of the support available for islanders living with a learning disability.
Learning Disability Awareness Week, which has seen informative drop-in sessions, workshops and inclusive events take place over the last few days, will end with a community picnic in Howard Davis Park today.
There are currently around 280 people supported by Health and Care Jersey’s Adult Learning Disability Service.
Express spoke to islander Emma Feldmar to gain a first-hand insight into the support available for islanders with learning disabilities and how it could improve…
What tips can you give to someone who wants to better support a person with a learning disability?
Ask them if they need something. Ask them if they need ear defenders, fidget toys [ask whether there are things they could have that would help them feel calm].
Take more time to listen, to understand each other – it might take longer.
Talk to us, not to the person with them. Talk to the person with the disability, not the carer.
What do you think is most commonly misunderstood about learning disabilities?
They think that people with disabilities are stupid. They think they have to do everything for you, but that’s not the case.
They think we can’t talk [for ourselves]. They think we can’t help other people, but we have so much knowledge and we can help others. We can have relationships.
What technology is available to assist those with learning disabilities?
Ear defenders.
A talk aid – it looks like a normal iPad but they have got apps on it that can talk for them.
Mobile phones, for their safety when they go out in the community and when they are at home, so that if they have an accident they can call their carer [or to call their friends].
A sensory room with things in it that help me to feel calm.
Fidget toys.
What types of support are offered in Jersey to help Islanders with learning disabilities?
Learning disability nurses – they took me to the GP and different appointments.
Occupational therapists, therapy.
Gardening group [with the Salvation Army].
[Social work reviewing officers], they got me a new care provider.
[Advocacy My Voice], they helped me with my rights, so that I understand what my rights are.
Grace Trust – art, singing, dancing.
Jersey Sport’s multi-sport morning.
Jersey Mencap.
What does the future look like – are there areas of support for people with learning disabilities that need to be improved?
Better support for carers.
The island could include us more. Don’t exclude us just because we have a disability.
More support for families [of islanders with learning disabilities] when something else has happened, like someone in their family is not well. The family might not be able to do as much as they usually can.
Respite. Time to take people out. Just having someone so that the person with the disability can get out, so that they are not trapped in the family home and not able to get out when they want.