Principals of Learning Disability Support. Induction award. Supporting people who have a learning disability

 Principals of Learning Disability Support. Induction award. Supporting people who have a learning disability
 John Brooke,
 Bild Publications,
 ISBN 978435500016,
 £11.99

 Star rating: 5/5

It is easy to say to anyone starting a career in learning disability services that all they need to do is show respect for the people they support, writes Julian Budden. It is also difficult to define what that entails, and even harder to show how this influences everything they do. Fortunately, this book is here to help.

Packed with advice and information the book makes learning fun and interesting. Each of the eight chapters tackles a different aspect relating to respect and deals with it in a practical way. The chapter about person-centred plans leaves the reader in no doubt as to what these are and how they can be used, as is true with the subjects addressed in the other seven chapters.

This gives the book a cohesive feel and shows the reader that, as the labels used to describe people with a learning disability fall away, a real person begins to emerge.

Throughout the book the key focus is the person with a learning disability. How this person’s needs can best be met, the barriers that exist and how they can be overcome are tackled in a way that will not leave the reader overwhelmed.

Unlike many books, though, it challenges the reader to look at themselves and think how they can influence the environment they find themselves in. This alone makes the book well worth the cover price. That it also shows how this learning meets NVQ criteria is a bonus.

Julian Budden is a learning disability day services manager, Trafford Council