Frequently Asked Questions
The Manchester Learning Disability Service website has a frequently asked questions section. The information provided on the website is meant to answer some common questions and make it easier for you to know about the learning disability service.
Visit the links below to access the answers to these frequently asked questions.
What is a learning disability? How do I get a service? How much does it cost? Who do we provide a service to? How do I get direct payments?
How to get a service?
For information on how to get a service contact the Social Care Contact Centre or one of the Community Learning Disability Teams
Social Care Contact Centre
Carisbrook Resource Centre
Wenlock Way
West Gorton
Manchester
M12 5LF
Tel. 0161 255 8250
Fax. 0161 255 8266- Make a referral online.
First and foremost, people with a learning disabilities are people. They are unique individuals with their own likes and dislikes, history's and opinions, and have the same rights as anyone else.
Learning disabilities affect about 1.5 million people in the UK and are common, lifelong conditions which are neither illness nor disease.: (Royal College of Nursing 2006)
- A learning disability affects the way someone learns, communicates or does some everyday things. Someone has a learning disability all through their life.
There are many different types of learning disability. They can be mild, moderate or severe.
Some people with a mild learning disability do not need a lot of support in their lives. But other people may need support with all sorts of things, like getting dressed, going shopping, or filling out forms.
Some people with a learning disability also have a physical
disability. This can mean they need a lot of support 24 hours a day.A learning disability does not stop someone from learning
and achieving a lot in life, if they get the right support. (Mencap)
How much does it cost?
- Health Services are Free
- Advice and Information is Free
- For other social care services there are service charges in line with government policy.
There is no one cost since charges differ depending upon the service and
assessment. Your care manger will explain this to you. More information.
Who do we provide a service to?
Adults over the age of 18 years who are learning disabled as defined by
the criteria agreed with the commissioners of learning disability services
(health and social care) in Manchester. Care services funded by the city
council are available to those with substantial or critical needs as
defined by the City Council's Fair Access to Care Services criteria (click here to link to Fair Access to Care Services criteria), although advice and information are available to all learning
disabled people.
In keeping with the Adult Social Care Department's commitment to a 'no
gaps' approach to service provision, MLDP will take responsibility for
assessing the care needs of people with autism who are not learning
disabled (known as Apserger's syndrome).
How do I get a Direct Payment?
You can obtain a Direct Payment in lieu of the service you are assessed as needing. Enquire via your care manager, or through the Contact Centre. Some restrictions apply.
