Health Needs of People with Learning Disability
The Public Health Agenda

The notion of addressing bad health and promoting good health among people with learning disabilities is relatively new. Concepts of 'normalisation' of services, integration of people into local communities and providing an 'inclusive' (rather than exclusive) ethos for care have led to the understanding that people with learning disabilities have the right to be treated with the same respect as everyone else. Recognition of their spiritual, legal, political, and sexual rights has therefore been near the top of the agenda for some time now. The last piece in the jigsaw is recognition of their right to live long and healthy lives the subject of this book.

The book takes a very practical focus, and incorporates short case studies, practice examples, 'think' points and action points. It is nevertheless grounded in solid theory.

There are four sections, working from the general political and professional factors which impinge on health, through to specific strategies for assisting individuals to improve health and reduce high-risk behaviours. The focus throughout is the person with learning disabilities any health models or pieces of legislation are reviewed in this light.

Key area of practice

Accessible, practical focus, with added features

Important undergraduate and post-graduate area

Twowell respected authors in this area

1. Concepts of Health. 2. Influences on Health. 3. Health needs and people who have a learning disability. 4. Health promotion a strategy for meeting the health needs of people who have a learning disability. 5. Accessing health information. 6. Policy and legislative framework. 7. New public health agenda. 8. Analysis of need. 9. Self value and self worth. 10. Physical health needs. 11. Sexual health. 12. Mental health. 13. Transitions. 14. Valued occupation. 15. Working withcarers. 16. Working with communities. 17. Inter professional and multi agency working.

Qualified nurses and other professionals working with people who have a learning disability, either in specialist services or primary caresettings. The text will have relevance for students undertaking courses and modules relating to either learning disabilities, health promotion or public health, particularly community nursing courses.