Hey!
For learning disability, as we cover from cradle to grave so to speak, it's important to get a wide range of experience where possible.
Look at schools, not just learning disability as mainstream will also have children with special education needs
Day centres
Summer schemes for those with disabilities - this will involve accompanying those on day trips or weekends away where many places will appreciate the extra pair of hands
Hospitals - again, especially on children wards, you can come into contact with people with an acquired learning disability (through head injury etc) and children's wards you can meet those with autism, down's syndrome etc.
Support worker roles - supported living etc where you can work with adults and children with learning disabilities.
Hospices
Prisons (may be hard to get but worth doing!)
As mentioned previously, Mencap will be a great source of advice and help.
Local schemes ie bingo nights, any monthly events that put on club nights etc for those with learning disabilities.
Dementia Friends is also worthwhile as people with learning disabilities are living longer; and dementia is somewhat prevalent in those individuals with Down's Syndrome.
Working with St John / Red Cross will also help with your clinical skills and communication skills, which are so so important in the LD field.
When you look in your community you may be very surprised at how many events and places cater for those with learning disabilities. And they're always great fun!
The more experience the better for working with those with learning disabilities as you come to learn about the wide variety of syndromes that exist within LD and how each syndrome affects individuals differently.
It also helps as textbooks can only teach you much, it's about getting to know the person and their likes, dislikes etc!
Hope that helps!
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