Additional impact of learning difficulties on Mental Health

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Conference
2015 National Disabled Members' Conference
Date
2 July 2015
Decision
Carried

Conference 2014 acknowledged the particular mental health concerns for disabled LGBT people and agreed an action plan to start to address this.

Conferences notes the additional impact that being diagnosed with a learning difficulty or disability can have upon our mental health.

People who are not aware of their specific learning difficulty or disability or those being diagnosed with a learning difficulty, such as dyslexia, can experience problems at work, be stereotyped and deemed poor performers and find themselves down the capability or disciplinary route.

More emphasis needs to take place to ensure that this disability or difficulty is identified early to avoid discrimination and therefore employers will have to put in reasonable adjustments to assist someone to carry out the roles of their job.

Currently there are few disability awareness / equality courses mandatory for supervisors and management to attend. It is important that today’s leaders are able to recognise signs of learning difficulty / disability and ensure that individuals get the necessary tools and support to fulfil their job roles.

Conference instructs the National Disabled Members Committee to:

1.issue good practice guidance to branches on learning difficulties and disabilities and encourage branches to include this on their bargaining agenda

2.Increase awareness to members by putting information on the UNISON website

3.Work with other self organised groups to raise further awareness.