NHS Scotland learning disability employment: tools and guidance - easy read version

1. Introduction

The Scottish Government has made a promise to employ more people with learning disabilities in NHSScotland organisations.

A learning disability starts in childhood and affects a person throughout their life. A person with a learning disability might need help to understand information, learn skills and get the most out of life. Some people with a learning disability will also have healthcare needs and need support to communicate.

This is only part of who the person is. They can be a friend, a family member, a student, a parent, an employee or employer.

The ideas in this guide may also help you make your organisation a welcoming place to work for people with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

People with learning disabilities do not get employed as often as other people with a disability.

Changing the way we see learning disabilities will help us to give better care, give more people jobs and make sure that our workforce is representive.

The aim of this guide is to raise awareness and take away some of the barriers that employers face. This will help you to make a workplace where people with learning disabilities can be happy and safe. This will promote equal access to job opportunities across NHSScotland.