Open day to raise awareness of learning disabilities
The issues faced by people with learning disabilities in accessing healthcare services are the subject of an open day at the University of Greenwich.
The event is being held during National Learning Disability Week, which is an annual national campaign to raise awareness about the issues that are important to people with a learning disability, their families and carers.
Many people with learning disabilities are denied their basic human right to receive healthcare and are often on the receiving end of poor treatment. Their health and well-being can suffer as a result.
The event has been organised by the university’s School of Health & Social Care and takes place on Friday, June 25 from 12 noon to 2pm, at the Avery Hill Campus, Southwood Site, Eltham, London SE9 2UG.
Local charitable and not for profit organisations who support people with learning disabilities to obtain better quality of lives will attend to offer help and information. Staff from local NHS Trusts who provide healthcare to people with learning disabilities will also be on hand to talk about their work and to offer advice.
As providers of courses specialising in learning disabilities, the university has a clear role and opportunity to help raise awareness in the local community.
Nicki Fowler, Professional Lead for Learning Disabilities, School of Health and Social Care at the University of Greenwich, says: “People with learning disabilities are 58 times more likely to die before the age of 50 than the general population. One of the reasons for this is they are generally in poor health, and many are at a higher risk of conditions such as epilepsy, heart disease, respiratory disease and diabetes.
“However, several reports over the past few years have identified deep-rooted institutional discrimination which has significantly prevented people receiving the care and treatment they need within healthcare services. The university has a commitment to address these issues through provision of education and supporting people with learning disabilities so their voices can be heard.”
No advance registration is necessary to attend and admission is free.
For further information, please contact:
Lee Armitt, Press Officer
University of Greenwich
020 8331 9420
Notes to editors
Picture: University of Greenwich’s Avery Hill campus.