Why it’s important to understand learning disabilities

Posted 1 year ago

The 19th June marks the start of Learning Disability Week, an annual awareness campaign that aims to help people understand what it’s like to live with a learning disability.

This year’s focus is all about busting myths about living life with a learning disability, debunking common misconceptions, and breaking the negative stigma those with learning disabilities must deal with on a daily basis.

Did you know that 5.1% of adults in England with a learning disability known to their local authority are in paid work? With that said, it’s imperative that employers are mindful as to how their business is set up to help support those with different neurological conditions to create a diverse workforce.

What is neurodiversity and why is it important?

Neurodiversity is a term that refers to people who have one of a number of neurological conditions, including autism, Asperger’s, ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia.

There’s never been a more important time, as an employer, to take a good look at how certain aspects of your business are set up to help those with different neurological conditions, and whether you’re taking full advantage of the potential a neurodiverse talent pool has to offer your business.

Under the Equality Act 2010, employers are required to make what’s known as ‘reasonable adjustments’ to support their differently-abled job applicants and employees. It’s important to seriously consider reasonable adjustments to ensure your workplace is as inclusive as possible. This should start as early as job adverts and recruitment, continuing through to performance management and day-to-day operations.

Embracing neurodiversity in the workplace will help your business create a culture of innovation, making employees feel genuinely included.

By fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment, your business can benefit from:

• Unleashing talent by allowing staff to flourish in a positive environment
• Attracting a wider pool of talent
• Reducing staff turnover
• Enhancing productivity through a supportive culture
• Meeting both legal and ethical obligations
• Improving staff wellbeing
• Building a better reputation and brand image

Disability Awareness & Inclusion Training

No workplace has an excuse to not be supportive of staff with disabilities.

Here at iHasco, we offer an online Disability Awareness & Inclusion Training course that provides your staff with an understanding about the equal opportunities those with disabilities should be given, how a disabilities might impact a person’s work life, and what can be done to make sure those with disabilities are given equal consideration to the same opportunities as others.

Find out more about the course on the link above, and claim your free, no-obligation trial to the course today. Alternatively, request a bespoke quote and a member of our team will be in touch to discuss your training needs.