The Learning Disability Task Force can offer journalists press releases and can also offer direction for key facts about Learning Disability issues.
 
The interim Chair of the Task Force is Simon Whitehead - he can be contacted for comment on press releases or for interviews on: 020 7972 4035.
 
If you would like to register for press releases please email us at:  Ond.info@dh.gsi.gov.uk

 

The Task Force commissioned report about the role and effectiveness of learning disability Partnership Boards has now been published:
 
The Role and Effectiveness of Learning Disability Partnership Boards

Valuing People Now
 
The consultation period for Valuing People Now ended on 28 March.   The outcome of the consultation will be published in the Autumn.  
Valuing People Now consultation documents (click to download)
Valuing People Now - easier read
Valuing People Now - Long read version 
Task Force: Press release for Valuing People now
 
Mansell Report 2:  Services for people with learning disabilities and challenging behaviour or mental health needs  
Services for People with learning disabilities and challenging behaviour or mental health needs 
 
Specialist Adult Learning Disability Health Services Good Practice 
Good Practice Guidance Specialist Adult Learning Disability Health Services
 
Task Force Annual Report - 10 September 2007
Annual Report Press release
The Task Force Annual Report 2007
 
Hate Crime against People with Learning Disabilities June 2007
Hate Crime Press release
 

The term Learning Disabilities has only started to be used since 1995.  In the past people were called 'mentally handicapped or retarded' or referred to in other offensive terms.  People with Learning Disabilities were an excluded aspect of society.  In 2001 the Government published a White Paper - Valuing People it was about improving the lives of people with Learning Disabilities. 
 
Since the White Paper many things have improved but there is still much work to be done to ensure that people with Learning Disabilities are properly included and have full and interesting lives.  The link below gives key facts about learning disabilities.
 
Facts about Learning Disabilities
 
The following are links to organisations that support the rights of people with learning disabilities, they provide factual information about learning disabilities.
 
 The British Institute of Learning Disabilities
 
 Mencap facts about Learning Disabilities
 
 The Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities

Information for people with learning disabilities:
 
Valuing People is a resource web page set up by the Valuing People Support Team
 
Valuing People website
 
The National Forum is a government funded national self advocacy and lobbying organisation for people with learning disabilities.
 
The National Forum for People with Learning Difficulties
 
Government work on Learning Disabilities:
 
For information about current government policy and reports regarding people with Learning Disabilities
 
Department of Health: Learning Disabilities