Learning Disability/Difficulty
Top tips
Remember everybody is unique so take the time to find out what works best for them.
Consider using Makaton: This is a communication programme that uses signs and symbols, giving an individual different options when communicating.
In person: Many people with a learning disability prefer face-to-face and one-to-one communication.
In writing: Use bigger text and bullet points, keeping writing to a minimum and language simple. Consider using coloured paper/screens.
On the phone: Speak slowly and clearly, using simple and accessible vocabulary.
Example
Background: Grace was recruited as a volunteer after she retired from a part-time position with the local authority.
Volunteer Role: Community Visitor, Shopping Angel, Community Car Scheme Driver
Volunteer Recruitment: The recruitment process at the time comprised of a one-to-one induction using a PowerPoint presentation and accompanying handbook as an aide memoir with additional information. At the time Grace expressed an interest in a number of volunteering roles.
Support provided to the volunteer: Grace’s volunteering interests have meant she has dealt with at least two project coordinators: the Car Scheme and Shopping Coordinator and the Respite and Community Visiting Coordinator. It became apparent over time that Grace was struggling with certain tasks about which she had originally been very enthusiastic. After she failed to respond to email communication it became clear that her preference was for verbal communication, either by phone or in-person visits to the office. We also noticed she declined to shop for clients herself (having been given a printed list) but was perfectly happy to work as a Shopping Angel, collecting the client from their homes, accompanying them to the supermarket and enabling them do their own shopping before returning them home. It was also noticed that Grace struggled with some addresses in the local town and declined driving jobs to locations within newbuild areas not familiar to her. Grace became agitated when presented with some of these situations.
Having recognised issues with literacy that had been undisclosed the coordinators offered Grace tasks that were straightforward and did not require written information.
Impact:
The person-centred and sensitive approach by the scheme coordinators has enabled Grace to pursue her volunteering interests.
She has tremendous energy and enthusiasm for her roles and she is a much-valued volunteer.