Helping people with learning disabilities

Our Occupational Therapy Learning Disabilities Team support adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) to live their lives their way.

For Learning Disability Week, from 18-24 June, some of the team have shared what they love most about their work.

Robert Wilson, Occupational Therapist at the Orion Inpatient Unit and the City Community Learning Disability Team

“People with IDD can experience various difficulties in life. Sometimes it’s because they don’t have the skills to perform daily tasks, such as preparing a meal, or sometimes it’s because society is set up for those who are more able – someone with IDD may not be able to read words on signs for example.

In my role, I help people with IDD, either by improving their skills with training or by making changes to their physical or social environment. Occupational therapists are experts in activity analysis; we can break down a task for someone, understand what is getting in their way, and minimise the impact of this.

My biggest motivation comes when I see a positive change in a person as a result of my help. Sometimes this can be the smallest of things, such as them expressing pride or smiling after doing something they’ve never done before. I get an amazing sense of achievement when I see someone I’ve worked with able to do an activity because of an adaptation I have suggested or supported as a therapist.”

Nikki Campion, Occupational Therapist with the Mansfield and Ashfield Community Learning Disability Team

“Part of my role as an Occupational Therapist is to look at how a person’s learning disability impacts on their ability to take part in usual daily activities.

When I am assessing someone, I look at lots of different things; their level of motivation, their routine, how they process information, how they move their body, their communication skills, how they interactive, and their environment. From this, I pin point what part of their skills and environment are impacting on their ability to do a task or activity.

After identifying the areas of difficulty, I work with the person, their carer and family, to develop their skills and advise about appropriate support to give. I will also adapt the environment to help the person take part in the activities that they most want to do.


I love my job because I see the person for who they are - their strengths as well as their difficulties - and find ways to help them do the things they want to do.

Occupational therapy looks at what’s important to someone - their past experiences and current abilities - and ensures their life moves forward the way they want it to. People with learning disabilities may not be able to advocate this for themselves, so we are at the heart of advocating for them. We listen to what they want to do, how they want to do it and when they want to do it.”

Debbie Welch, Occupational Therapist with the City Community Learning Disability Team

“I have worked in the IDD service for 15 years, helping people with disabilities ranging from profound and multiple learning disabilities to mild intellectual disabilities.

Designing environments for people with challenging behaviours and complex needs - and seeing a person flourish in the adapted environment - has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my job.

A diagnosis of dementia brings many challenges. Cognitive and environmental assessments, sensory work and promoting engagement may include the use of technology; an iPad can be used to maintain interests and promote cognitive functioning for example.

Group work is also really inspiring. It brings isolated people together to develop relationships and try new activities in an environment where the challenge is set at the correct level. Group work is special, and the benefits are huge for all participants – for many isolated people it can be a spring board into community life.

The variety of the work and the clients I work with motivate me every day. That’s just a few reasons I love my job!”

For more information about our Occupational Therapy Learning Disabilities Team follow @nottshcot on Twitter.