Hi there Janet,
>I would be grateful for any references which will help me to discuss
the
>issue of terminology around "learning disability" v. "learning
>difficulty"
A cross-cultural perspective:
To my Australian mind, the term "learning disability" means a
*specific* learning disability in a person with "normal" intelligence.
"Learning difficulties" covers a much broader range of disabilities--
it could mean a specific learning disability, an intellectual
disability or an acquired brain injury.
I know people in the UK say "learning difficulty" or "learning
disability" where we in Australia would say "intellectual
disability"-- and many in the US would say "mental retardation".
>I am
>doing research and dissertation on Parents with learning
>difficulties/disabilities and have read a fair bit by Tim and Wendy
>Booth (who use the term learning difficulty).
I'd be interested in knowing more. I've been doing research on people
labelled as having an intellectual disability, and their experiences
of relationships and sexuality. I expect to present at the IASSID
conference in August.
>If anyone could also
>direct me to a contact from "People First" I would also find this
>helpful, as I understand they may prefer the term "learning
>difficulty".
Northamptonshire People First:
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People First International:
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There are 2 relevant mailing lists-- SPEAK-UP (for self-advocates
only) and USUPPORT (for self-advocates and supporters). For more info,
see:
http://www.peoplefirst.org.uk/mail.html
- Ria (a self-advocate from Australia)
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Ria Strong
Melbourne, Australia
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[log in to unmask]
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