Learning Disability Week: New accessible content launching to help people with learning disabilities reduce the risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes

As we near the end of Mencap’s Learning Disability Week, we are in a position to tell readers about how we are helping people with learning disabilities to take proactive steps to try to reduce the risks associated with type two diabetes.

Following a review of the ‘know diabetes' virtual model by people with learning disabilities supported by The Advocacy Project, the North West London Diabetes Team agreed to implement changes to support a more inclusive and accessible approach. 

We recognise that people with learning disabilities experience greater health inequalities, barriers to accessing health services and poorer health outcomes because of this. 

We have worked alongside people with learning disabilities to produce a suite of accessible content accessed through the “know diabetes” website that will support people with learning disabilities, their families and carers to address some of the risk factors that lead to type two diabetes. 

We anticipate that this approach combined with other interventions such as annual health checks, health action planning and review through primary care and local learning disabilities services will support and enhance improved health outcomes for people with learning disabilities. 

This approach has been guided through joint work with people with learning disabilities as well as the accessible information standard and equalities act. 

The accessible information is expected to “go live” on 30 June 2022.