News Release, 26 June 2000
The Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities, part of the Mental Health Foundation, has launched a teacher's pack which could be used as a resource for "citizenship" which will be part of the national curriculum.
Working with the pack will help students develop an understanding of what is meant by learning disability, and examine the impact on young people with learning disabilities of the lack of opportunities and the attitudes of society as a whole.
The Building Expectations teachers' pack, with a video, worksheets and guidance notes, encourages pupils to think about their own ambitions and expectations and compare these with the similar hopes of people with learning disabilities. In illustration it uses quotes from people with learning disabilities, such as "I am 30 and I want to be treated like an adult"; "I want to learn how to use computers"; and "People often think that people with learning disabilities should not be in a relationship".
In thinking about any additional obstacles that might be encountered by people with learning disabilities, pupils are also helped to consider ways in which they and others can provide support to people with learning disabilities within the community.
The pack, for use with years 9-11, examines the issues first raised by Building Expectations, research by the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities which highlighted the needs of people with learning disabilities for greater choices and higher expectations. The research looked at the way in which, several years after the introduction of community care, services for people with learning disabilities - including housing, education, employment and transport - were often still segregated, with few opportunities or choices being offered.
Building Expectations : Opportunities and Services for People with a Learning Disability. Book, August 1996. Is available from the the Publications Department at the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities, Tel 020 7803 1101 or email books@fpld.org.uk
Return to news releases 2000
Note to editors
For further information and interview requests contact please contact the press office on 020 7803 1105 / 1128 or email the press office
The Foundation promotes the rights, quality of life and opportunities of people with learning disabilities and their families. We do this by working with people with learning disabilities, their families and those who support them to:
- Do research and develop projects that promote social inclusion and citizenship
- Support local communities and services to include people with learning disabilities
- Make practical improvements in services for people with learning disabilities
- Spread knowledge and information.
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