2023-12-05 09:13:21
“A long way to go” to remove inequalities in life expectancy for learning disabled adults
Although there are signs of improvement in the most recent LeDeR report, we still have a long, way to go before the substantial inequalities in life expectancy and healthcare for learning disabled adults are removed.
Responding to the latest report from the LeDeR programme, Devia Gurjar, Chief Charity and External Affairs Officer at learning disability charity Hft, says: “Everyone with a learning disability has the right to good quality health and social care which meets their needs and supports them to live long, healthy lives.”
The report reveals that 42% of deaths among people with a learning disability were avoidable and that people with a learning disability are twice as likely to die prematurely.
“This just isn’t good enough,” Mrs Gurjar says. “The introduction of the Oliver McGowan training this year has been a positive step to help change these outcomes, but it is imperative that the Government, the NHS and Integrated Care Systems are not complacent and do more to ensure that health and care services are genuinely inclusive and meet the needs of learning disabled adults.”
Notes to editors
For further information please email media.enquiries@hft.org.uk
About Hft
Proudly established in 1962 by a group of visionary parents, Hft is a charity supporting more than 2,500 learning disabled adults in England and Wales. Together, we are creating a future where learning disabled people and their families can live the best life possible.
Providing personalised support. Creating solutions for living independently. Coming together to campaign for positive change. Fundraising for new opportunities and a bigger impact.
In 2033, we’ll live in a world where learning disabled people have greater choice. About where they live. The support they need and want. And how to spend their time and money.
Learning disability versus difficulty
A learning disability is different from a learning difficulty but the terms are often confused and used inter-changeably. A learning difficulty does not affect general intellect, whereas a learning disability is a life-long condition characterised by a reduced intellectual ability and struggle with everyday activities.
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For more information about Hft please visit www.hft.org.uk
