Learning disabilities: Doing things on my own

Most people with a learning disability are able to do lots of things on their own, choosing how they live and accessing the right level of support for them.


TOP TIP

You should think about how you want to live your life, including:

  • What do you want to be able to do on your own?
  • What would you like to do that you do not do now?
  • What do you need help to be able to do?
  • Who can help you do this?

You can get support to be independent and do things on your own from:

  • Your family
  • Your friends
  • The people you live with
  • Carers who come to your home
  • A personal assistant
  • Teachers, tutors, colleagues and managers
  • As well as many other people and organisations

You do not need to have a social worker to access the support you need to be independent.

You, and the people who support you, can help you to be independent in the following ways:

  • Getting equipment and technology that will help you with daily tasks and activities
  • Finding the best travel options for you to get around
  • Using CarePlace to find organisations and activities
  • Asking the people you know and trust for suggestions about how you do more things on your own