{"alias":"blogEntry","byline":"Written by Nicola Hilliard, Creative Content Producer","standfirst":"For Learning Disability Week in June, we spoke to Mencap to find out their advice how to support people with learning disabilities in Scouts.","content":{"layouts":[{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4\u003EWhat\u0027s a learning disability?\u0026nbsp;\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMencap are the leading charity for people with a learning disability. They say that the answer to what a learning disability is different for every person who has one.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThey describe a learning disability as a reduced intellectual ability and difficulty with everyday activities. It\u2019s a condition that affects someone for their whole life.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPeople with a learning disability may struggle with household tasks, socialising and managing money\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThey may also need longer to learn. They may need support to develop new skills, understand complicated information and interact with other people.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/20457/db-20220802-590-42130.jpg","width":4000,"height":2667,"altText":"","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4\u003EThe difference between learning disabilities and learning difficulties\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA learning disability is a permanent condition that\u2019ll affect someone for their whole life.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt\u2019s different from a learning difficulty, such as dyspraxia, ADHD or dyslexia. This\u2019s because a learning difficulty doesn\u0027t affect general intellect.\u003Cem\u003E\u00A0\u003C/em\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPeople with learning disabilities can have a wide variety of abilities. A learning disability\u2019s often classified as mild, moderate, severe or profound.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4\u003ESupporting people with learning disabilities\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESome people with a mild learning disability can talk easily and look after themselves. However, they might need a bit longer than usual to learn new skills. They might also find it harder to understand complex information.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOther people with learning disabilities may not be able to communicate at all. They may also be managing living with more than one disability (either a learning or physical disability).\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ELearning disabilities can\u2019t be cured.\u00A0However, we can empower people with learning disabilities to take part in activities.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETo be able to do this depends on getting to know the individual well, identifying their strengths and finding out what support they need.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/20297/a-group-of-scouts-are-paddling-katakanus-min.jpg","width":4000,"height":2667,"altText":"A group of Scouts are paddling a Katakanu on the water.","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E12 ways to support Scouts with learning disabilities\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EHere are our tips, created with Mencap, \u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003Efor making \u003Ca href=\u0022#\u0022 title=\u0022Reasonable adjustments\u0022\u003Ereasonable adjustments\u003C/a\u003E to support people with learning disabilities in Scouts.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EIf your group needs helping with funding, such as for ear defenders or fidget toys, you can apply for an \u003C/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-things-locally/grants-and-funds-for-your-local-group/grants-from-ukhq/additional-needs/\u0022\u003EAdditional Needs \u003C/a\u003E\u003Cspan\u003Egrant. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":false,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003ENoise-cancelling headphones \u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003Eor ear defenders can help \u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003Eblock out overwhelming noise and help the \u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003Eperson to\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E self-regulate. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003ESunglasses/eye covers \u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003Ealso allow them \u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003Eto escape from bright light\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003Es, which may be overwhelming.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Make noise cancelling headphones or ear defenders and sunglasses available"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EConsider how you can shorten your sentences to support understanding and use visual images/signing to help with learning, memory, and understanding.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EUsing visual supports will explain expectations to young people, as well as help young people prepare to for activities, such as nights away.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFor example, it may be useful to have visual, picture-based packing lists, so the young person can be involved in packing a bag, too.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Use visual prompts to help with learning"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EMakaton\u0026nbsp;is a form of sign language that uses symbols, signs, and speech to enable children, young people, and adults to communicate.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMakaton is flexible and can be used at any level appropriate to the person\u2019s needs. However, many people stop using the signs and pictures as their speech develops.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMakaton is based on British Sign Language (BSL),\u0026nbsp;and signs are always used alongside speech.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EUsing signs can help people who have no speech, or if their speech isn\u2019t clear. Symbols, for example on picture cards, help those unable to sign, too.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EScouts have some resources you can use, such as the Promise and some keywords that you may need. You can even learn the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/the-scout-promise/making-the-scout-promise-using-makaton/\u0022 title=\u0022Making the Scout Promise using Makaton\u0022\u003EScout promise\u003C/a\u003E in Makaton.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Makaton charity offers free resources, such as a \u2018sign of the week.\u2019 You can find out more on the \u003Ca href=\u0022https://makaton.org/\u0022\u003EMakaton charity website\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou can get grants to fund Makaton courses for your leadership team through our \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-things-locally/grants-and-funds-for-your-local-group/grants-from-ukhq/additional-needs/\u0022\u003EAdditional Needs\u003C/a\u003E grant.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou can also take part in our \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/inclusion-and-diversity/inclusion-learning-and-training/\u0022\u003EInclusion Learning and Training\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Learn the Scout Promise and keywords in Makaton"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EThe programme in Scouts contains a great deal of flexibility. The guiding principle throughout the programme should be that young people are being challenged, while having fun.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EEach young person who participates in the programme should face a similar degree of challenge. Volunteers can tailor badge or award requirements according to each young person\u0027s abilities, to enable all young people to work towards the badge or award of their choice.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDuring meetings, camps and events, remember to use simpler language to explain activities and badge requirements.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESimilarly, offer support for activities where the group undertaking fine motor tasks, such as colouring in, cutting out or washing up. Consider what equipment might provide support, or whether doing activities with a buddy may help.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPeople with learning disabilities often have difficulties with fine and gross motor skills. Difficulties with fine motor skills, or skills of the hands, can include:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ETrouble using scissors\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EHolding pencils and paint brushes\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ETying shoelaces\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EUsing a fork, spoon or knife\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EHolding a book and so on.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThere\u2019s a lot of flexibility in Scouts and in the programme to make sure all young people can enjoy the adventure. This includes flexibility in badges and awards. Read more information about\u00A0\u003Ca href=\u0022##4.6.7\u0022 title=\u00224. Local organisation of sections, Groups, Districts, Counties\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022#4.6.7\u0022\u003Eflexibility in Scouts\u003C/a\u003E.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Adapt the programme, including badges, awards, games and activities"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EKeep in mind that a young person may need supervision and encouragement to stay on a task.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf the young person needs additional adult support, discuss this with their parent/carer \u2013 could they help in some sessions, or would it be beneficial for the group to look at trying to recruit additional support for them?\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou can also use the \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-things-locally/grants-and-funds-for-your-local-group/grants-from-ukhq/additional-needs/\u0022\u003EAdditional Needs\u003C/a\u003E grant to help fund translators and signers for large events, so everyone can be included.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Extra 1:1 support"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EEveryone is different, so don\u2019t make assumptions. For example, one misconception of people with Down\u2019s Syndrome is that they\u2019re always loveable and affectionate.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ERemember to adapt your expectations of the individual by using your knowledge of them, rather than relying on your assumptions, or experience of others of the same age. If you\u2019re not sure, ask them, or in the case of young people, speak to their parent/carer.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ELeaders should follow best practice around physical contact and always\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safe-scouting-cards/young-people-first-yellow-card/\u0022\u003Erefer to the Yellow Card.\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt\u2019s vital to speak about issues relating to Down\u2019s syndrome in a way that\u2019s both factually accurate and inoffensive. Be considerate to people who have Down\u2019s syndrome, their families, carers, and the people who support them. You can learn more about terminology from the\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/about/terminology-guide/\u0022\u003EDown\u2019s Syndrome Association\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Avoid misconceptions"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EMake sure your programme is planned with all members\u2019 needs in mind.\u00A0 You\u2019ll need to be aware of the concentration span required, and the complexity of the activities.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ELook at the \u2018\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/\u0022\u003EMake it accessible\u2019\u003C/a\u003E section of the Scouts activities on the Activity Finder to see how you can adapt the game or activity.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou can find out more about making \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/inclusion-and-diversity/supporting-those-with-additional-needs-and-neurodiversity/reasonable-adjustments/\u0022\u003EReasonable Adjustments\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Create inclusive risk assessments"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003ETalk to the young person and their parent/carer about any physical and medical needs. Make sure these are recorded on their support plan, so all adults are aware of needs and how to support them.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EUse the\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://prod-cms.scouts.org.uk/media/19553/parents-carers-conversation-framework-2019.pdf\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Parent/Carer conversation framework\u0022\u003EParent/Carer Framework\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003Eto help frame your conversation, and be positive talking about strengths and interests, too.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ELearn from the individual and be guided by their individual needs. You can do this by maintaining a positive relationship with parents/ carers, keeping them informed of the young person\u0027s progress, and looking to them for specialist guidance.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFor young people with a learning disability, it may be beneficial to ask if you can approach their school to get any further tips.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Involve the person and their family"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EBe aware of what\u2019s going on at all times, and don\u2019t assume instructions that are given once will be understood or remembered.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDue to possible hearing difficulties, you should make sure instructions are given clearly, simply, and face-to-face. Take a look at the advice for supporting individuals with\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003Ehearing loss.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EConsider how you can shorten your sentences to support understanding, such as using simpler language to explain activities and badge requirements and using visual images/signing to help with learning, memory and understanding.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Make sure instructions are clear and have been understood"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EBe patient and always listen carefully. Make sure opportunities are given for any attempt to answer questions. You could create some simple questions at the level appropriate for the young person, so they always feel involved and able to contribute in activities.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFor some activities, working in pairs or larger groups, rather than individually, may help overcome difficulties.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Be patient and allow extra time"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003ESome environments can be overwhelming, especially for those with a\u0026nbsp;learning disability. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003ESometimes, people with learning difficulties may have sensory differences. This means that any of their senses may be over- or under-sensitive, or both, at different times.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EThese sensory differences can affect how they feel and act, as well as have a big impact on their life.\u003C/span\u003E \u003Cspan\u003EThis means that some of their daily activities might be affected. These could include things such as:\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E \u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EHair cutting\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E \u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003ETeeth brushing\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E \u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EMoving around\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E \u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003ELeisure activities\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E \u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EHaving a shower\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E \u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EEating and drinking\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E \u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EGoing to school or college\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E \u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EShopping\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EYou could create a quiet, designated space that young people and adults can use when they feel overwhelmed and overloaded due to sensory differences. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EIt gives people time and space to calm their sensory systems and take control of their emotions again. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EYou could choose calming colours, such as shades of blue or green. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EUse comfortable decor, such as large fluffy cushions and soft blankets, to create a calming and cosy atmosphere. You could have a variety of soft toys to hug. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EYou could make a box or bag with stress balls, calming shaker bottles, small puzzles, and fidget toys in.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Have a quiet space in meetings and on camp"}]}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":null,"pageType":null,"location":null,"versionDate":"21 June 2022","reviewDate":null,"furtherReading":[],"relatedLinks":[],"id":76167,"nodeName":"12 ways to support people with learning disabilities in Scouts","title":"12 ways to support people with learning disabilities in Scouts","type":"blogEntry","image":{"url":"/media/20298/a-group-of-scouts-are-paddling-katakanus-and-holding-paddles-min.jpg?cc=0.032679738562091595,0.11812625430211336,0,0.06579928441731145\u0026width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1dae4bb5199c460","caption":"Scouts paddling Katakanus and holding paddles","type":"jpg","size":865248,"width":4000,"height":2667,"altText":"A group of Scouts in life jackets hold paddles sitting in a Katakanu on the water."},"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"12 ways to support people with learning disabilities in Scouts","headerSubTitle":null,"headerCta":null,"headerCtaText":null,"headerCtaLink":null,"headerBackgroundColour":null,"showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":null},"subHeader":"Find out more about learning disabilities, what can cause them, and practical tips to include everyone in Scouts.","browserTitle":null,"silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC83NjE2NyJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/news/2022/june/12-ways-to-support-people-with-learning-disabilities-in-scouts/"}