Links

Mencap: Mencap is the voice of learning disability.
British Institute of Learning Disabilities: Improving the lives of people in the UK with a learning disability
ADHD On-line support group: Our objective is to promote awareness to AD/HD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and to provide information and as much free practical help as we can to those with the condition, both adults and children, their families in the UK and around the World via this website.
Advances in Psychiatric Treatment: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment is aimed at practising mental health professionals who need to be kept informed of current ideas, techniques and developments in psychiatry. Each issue includes commissioned articles dealing with physical and biological aspects of treatment, psychological and sociological interventions, management issues and treatments specific to the different psychiatric sub-specialities.
Ann Craft Trust: National Association working in the interests of people with Learning Disabilities who may be at risk of abuse. Has useful publications and links to related websites.
American Association on Mental Retardation: On-line resource which aims to augment AAMR's activities and give rapid access to information about the mental retardation and disabilities field.
Angelman Syndrome Support Education and Research Trust (ASSERT)
Benefits: Useful Information: Down's Syndrome Association - Literature about Welfare / Benefits
Benefits: Useful Information: London Advice Services Alliance
Benefits: Useful Information: Community Legal Services Direct
Benefits: Useful Information: Department for Work and Pensions
Benefits: Useful Information: Benefits and Work - Guides You Can Trust
The Big Tree: The Big Tree is a way in to the internet about important things for people with a learning disability. It is like a very big library or place to find information. You can also find other people who are interested in the same things as you. The aim is to make it easy for people with a learning disability to use.
Books Beyond Words: Books Beyond Words tell stories in pictures to help people with learning and communication difficulties explore their own experiences.
British Epilepsy Association: Website containing "everything you need to know about epilepsy". The site also contains an Email Helpline service which will do its best to email you a reply to an issue which is not included on the site within 48 hours.
British Institute of Learning Disability: BILD is the British Institute of Learning Disabilities, a not for profit organisation with charitable status, which exists to improve the quality of life of all people with a learning disability. The site provides information, publications and training and consultancy services for organisations and individuals.
British National Formulary: Website providing UK healthcare professionals with authoritative and practical information on the selection and clinical use of medicines in a clear, concise and accessible manner.
The Choice Forum: The Choice Forum is an online discussion forum on issues in the lives of people with learning disabilities in the UK. It brings together people working with people with learning disabilities, national and local policy makers, service providers and purchasers, parents, carers and people with learning disabilities. It is a forum where you can ask questions, find answers, and share ideas with others with similar interests.
Commission for Social Care Inspection: Get free, independent reports on the quality of your local care services and accessible information about choosing the right social care for you.
Contact a Family: Directory of the organisations in the UK who provide family support (and often very useful medical information for professionals) on a wide range of syndromes including rare conditions.
Connects, the Mental Health and Learning Disabilities portal: Connects is a worldwide, interactive, personalised forum for the sharing of information by people interested in mental health problems and/or learning disabilities. Contains more than 8,000 resources including details of news items, events, websites and organisations.
Cruse Bereavement Care: Cruse Bereavement Care is the national organisation for bereaved people. Some Cruse branches have bereavement supporters who work with people with intellectual disabilities. Cruse provides information about local bereavement support services and also gives welfare advice (tel: 0845 7585 565).
The Department of Health - Learning Disabilities
Developmental Disabilities Program, University of Western Ontario: The overall goal of the DDP is to promote optimum health care for persons with a developmental disability through education, research and service.
Down's Heart Group: The Down's Heart Group is a UK charity which offers support and information to families who have a member with Down's Syndrome and congenital heart defects. The site contains information about heart defects, tests and procedures, and other topics of interest, as well as details of the support and information available from the Down's Heart Group.
Down's Syndrome Association UK: Large website that also contains a lot of downloadable medical information on Down's Syndrome and useful links
Down's Syndrome Medical Interest Group: This site provides essential information for healthcare professionals on 'best practice' medical care for people with Down's syndrome in the UK and Ireland. It has been produced by the UK Down's Syndrome Medical Interest Group (DSMIG), a network of doctors whose aim is to ensure equitable provision of medical care for all people with Down's syndrome in the UK and Republic of Ireland.
Down's Syndrome Scotland (formerly Scottish Down's Syndrome Association): The website of Down's Syndrome Scotland, formerly known as Scottish Down's Syndrome Association. The site provides a source of information and news on the organisation's current activities throughout Scotland
Dr. Alper: Site for Medical Professionals that includes many useful links.
Easy Info: Site aiming to make information easier for people with learning difficulties. The website is about bringing people together, finding out about good ways of working and sharing ideas. Easyinfo.org.uk is for everyone working with people with learning difficulties and for people with learning difficulties themselves.
National Society for Epilepsy: A large epilepsy charity producing a wide range of resources and medical information - users need to register to obtain password to log on to professional sections.
British Epilepsy Association: A large epilepsy charity producing a wide range of resources and medical information - users need to register to obtain password to log on to professional sections.
European Association of Intellectual Disability Medicine: MAMH is an organisation of European doctors working within different specialties who are committed to high quality medical care for people with learning disabilities. It aims to bring together knowledge of service provision, medical education, research and evidence based medical care from Europe and the rest of the world and to eventually establish 'Intellectual Disability Medicine' as a specialty in all European countries.
Evidence Based Bulletins (Wales) - Learning Disabilities: Thorough review of evidence in literature for various aspects of the management of people with Learning Disabilities.
FAS Aware (Foetal Alcohol Syndrome): FASAWARE is one of three UK charities dedicated to providing support and education to the general public about FAS. It has numerous resources and links to UK, international, and other sources of information.
The Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities: This is a site is run by the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities, the leading UK charity researching learning disability issues. The site features the latest news and events on learning disability issues, as well as information on topics such as advocacy, accommodation and employment.
The Fragile X Society: A page containing information on Fragile X syndrome, its causes, its effect on families, and information on the Fragile X Society.
International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual Disabilities: The International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual Disabilities is an international and interdisciplinary scientific organization that promotes worldwide research and exchange of information on intellectual disabilities.
Independent Inquiry into Access to Healthcare for People with Learning Disabilities: The Secretary of State for Health announced the establishment of an Independent Inquiry into Access to Healthcare for People with Learning Disabilities on 31 May 2007. The Inquiry will focus on the action needed to ensure adults and children with learning disabilities receive appropriate treatment in general healthcare in England; this means acute medical (hospital) care and general primary care, not mental health services or specialist learning disability services.The Inquiry is chaired by Sir Jonathan Michael MB, BS, FRCP, FKC. The Inquiry team consists of a panel of experts on health and social care services working with a panel of people with learning disabilities who have experience of using services.
Housing Options: Housing Options is an independent advice and information service for people with learning disabilities. The aim is to assist people with learning disabilities achieve greater control over aspects of their life and to provide more housing and support choices.
Leeds Antenatal Screening Service: Leeds Antenatal Screening Service (LASS) was established in 1991 to provide screening tests for NHS units, GPs, private laboratories and individual fee-paying patients. Profits are used to further research in screening and prenatal diagnosis.
Medical Aspects of Mental Handicap: Read the latest news about Learning Disability Services in different European countries.
Mencap learning disability helpline: 0808 808 1111: Mencap is a UK charity working with and for people with a learning disability and their parents and carers. The helpline offers free, confidential and independent information and advice on virtually any subject to do with learning disability. Mencap has a lot of local knowledge, and a network of connections nationwide. This means that they can link you up with organisations or services in your area that can help.
MSc in Intellectual / Learning Disability Studies (University of Birmingham): This postgraduate programme is designed for experienced professionals involved in the care of people with a learning disability (the term used in the UK in place of ‘intellectual disability'). It provides inter-professional education on a part-time distance basis and students learn from specially-prepared study texts, weekend schools and local tutorial groups. This is the only course in the UK and Ireland which covers the whole field of learning disability and attracts students from a variety of backgrounds.
The National Association for the Dually Diagnosed: NADD is a not-for-profit membership association established for professionals, care providers and families to promote understanding of and services for individuals who have developmental disabilities and mental health needs.
National Electronic Library for Health: The aim of this site is to provide access to best current knowledge in relation to the development and delivery of services for people with a learning disability.
National Institute of Mental Health - Learning Disabilities: Includes a booklet providing information on learning disabilities and the role of NIMH sponsored research in discovering underlying causes and effective treatments. Also includes press releases and details of the latest clinical trials.
NHS Direct Online: This site was re-launched in 2001 - one of the features includes an interactive email facility where users can enter their query, and it will be responded to by a health information professional within five working days. It also features a health encyclopaedia covering illnesses and conditions, tests, treatments and operations.
National Autistic Society: Largest UK charity working for people with Autism. Useful list of publications, information and links to autism sites.
National Society for Epilepsy: The National Society for Epilepsy is committed to providing information and support to people with epilepsy. It also provides care for people with epilepsy through medical and residential services.
Norah Fry Research Centre: Research on services for people with learning disabilities.
OMIM - Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man: This database is a catalog of human genes and genetic disorders with up-to-date medical reviews of each.. The database contains textual information, pictures, and reference information.
Ouch!: The BBC's disability website.
The Prader-Willi Syndrome Association UK: The PWSA (UK) is the only organisation in the UK and the Republic of Ireland to address the unique needs of people with PWS, their parents, carers, enablers, and professionals from health, education and social services who work with them.
The Prader-Willi Syndrome Association USA: Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (USA) is dedicated to serving individuals affected by Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS), their families, and interested professionals and aims to provide education, and support services to its members.
RD4U: RD4U is Cruse Bereavement Care's Young People's Website which is designed for young people by young people, and provides support to people after the death of someone close. It has a (monitored) message board and other youthful therapeutic activities, and an email support service manned by trained young volunteers. The upper age limit for users of the site is 25 years old.
Royal College of Psychiatrists: Clicking on the publications page of this site leads you to fact sheets and leaflets. Books Beyond Words (as featured in 'Learning about Intellectual Disabilities and Health') can be ordered via this web-site.
Royal National Institute for the Blind: The RNIB site contains information on common eye conditions; practical help with everyday living at home, work and school; information about how sight problems affect the population, and accessible materials and links to resources in your area.
Royal National Institute for Deaf People: Award-winning website containing information for deaf people on services, support and resources.
The Same as You: An NHS Scotland review of services for people with learning disabilities in Scotland.
The Tuberous Sclerosis Association: Website of the Tuberous Sclerosis Association, a UK charity that supports sufferers, promotes awareness, and seeks the causes and best possible management of Tuberous Sclerosis (TSC).
Unique: Unique is a source of information and support for families of children with rare chromosome disorders.
Web resources in the UK: A site with many useful links to UK sites on Down's Syndrome
Williams Syndrome Foundation: Contains information on Williams Syndrome for parents, and also more in-depth medical information.
Valuing People Support Team: Valuing People is the name of the government white paper for people with learning disabilities. "Valuing People is all about everyone working together so that the lives of all people with learning disabilities are better." The site has information and news on VP, as well as regional news and a link to the white paper.
Valuing People Support Team: "All Means All": Link to a pdf file of the "All Means All" document.
Voice UK: Voice UK is a national charity supporting people with learning disabilities who have experienced crime or abuse. They also support their families, carers and professional workers.
Cambridge Intellectual & Development Disabilities Research Group: The Group undertakes research in the field of intellectual and other developmental disabilities that will inform the treatment and support of people with disabilities themselves and also relevant policy and practice.
Healthcare for all: report of the independent inquiry into access to healthcare for people with learning disabilities: The independent inquiry into access to healthcare for people with learning disabilities, was chaired by Sir Jonathan Michael. The report was published by the Department of Health in July 2008
Easyhealth: Site for people to find health information that is easy to understand, in order to make it simpler for people with learning disabilities to know more about their health.
Estia Centre: The Estia Centre is a training, research and development resource for those who support adults with learning disabilities and additional mental health needs, based at Guy’s Hospital, London.
FASD Trust: Organisation raising awareness of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, with support groups throughout the UK for families caring for someone with FASD, and also providing information and training for professionals and the general public.
Jan-net Ltd: Health and disability network open to anyone with an interest in health issues and people with a learning disability, with a mix of email information and quarterly network meeting opportunities.
Palliative Care for People with Learning Disabilities: Network which brings together service providers and carers working for the benefit of people with learning disabilities who have palliative care needs, based on the belief that these people should receive all the co-ordinated help they need until the end of their lives.
Respond: Respond provides a range of services to both victims and perpetrators of sexual abuse who have learning disabilities and those who have been affected by other trauma. Services include support and training for families, carers and professionals.
Mencap : Getting it right campaign: Getting health checks right. In this video Jim Blair, Consultant Nurse in Learning Disabilities at St George's Healthcare NHS Trust, discusses how to make reasonable adjustments when treating people with a learning disability
'Six Lives' progress report: The Department of Health published a report in October 2010 on progress to improve healthcare for people with learning disabilities, in line with the recommendation of the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman and Local Government Ombudsman in their March 2009 investigation ‘Six Lives’.
Improving Health and Lives: Learning Disabilities Observatory: The Observatory aims to provide better, easier to understand, information on the health and wellbeing of people with learning disabilities, which should help hospitals and other providers of health and social care, and their families and carers, in order to ensure the best possible outcomes for the health and lives of people with learning disabilities.
European Declaration on the Health of Children and Young People with Intellectual Disabilities and their Families: A new landmark European declaration "Better health better lives: children and young people with intellectual disabilities and their families" was signed on 26th November 2010. This initiative, led by WHO in partnership with Unicef, aims to ensure that all children and young people with learning disabilities are fully participating members of society, living with their families, integrated in the community and receiving health care and support proportional to their needs.
Special Olympics GB: SOGB is the country’s largest provider of year-round sports training and competition programmes for all children and adults with learning disabilities.
e-Learning for General Practice: Online e-learning resource for NHS General Practitioners and doctors undertaking specialty training for UK general practice, jointly developed by the Royal College of General Practitioners and e-Learning for Healthcare, and including a module on learning disabilities.
United Response: United Response is a national charity that supports people with learning disabilities, mental health needs and physical disabilities to take control of their lives.
A National Response to the Abuse of People with Learning Disabilities: Letter sent in June 2011 by 86 learning disability organisations demanding action from the Prime Minister in response to private sector hospital abuse, and reply from the Prime Minister
CIPOLD Confidential inquiry into the premature deaths of people with learning disabilities: This includes the interim report on the process and outcomes of the Confidential Inquiry, highlighting factors that have been identified as being relevant to the deaths of people with learning disabilities, and recommendations/learning points regarding the care/support of people with learning disabilities.
GMC Learning Disabilities: Resource for doctors, medical students and other healthcare workers to learn some small changes they can make to their practice which can have a big impact on the standard of care they provide for their patients with learning disabilities.
University of Hertfordshire, Centre for Learning Disability Studies: New centre, whose main aim is to ensure that all its work with students and partners is relevant to the lives of people with learning disabilities.
Learning (Intellectual) Disability and Dementia: Website for those interested in finding out more about dementia in people with a learning disability, providing access to further information and training.
A National Response to the Abuse of People with Learning Disabilities: Department of Health documents concerning the events at Winterbourne View hospital and a programme of action to transform services, published in March 2013

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