Information & Resources
Compiled definitions and links to trusted resources to assist you.
Documents & Information
Aims & Objectives
Read about our core mission, values, and goals.
Company Newsletter
Stay up to date with the latest news from QDA. (Coming Soon!)
Easy Read Guides
Documents designed with simple text and pictures to be easy to understand.
Aims & Objectives
Our Easy Read Statement of Purpose and Aims and Objectives.
What is Autism?
Information explaining what autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is.
Mental Health
Understanding our emotional, psychological, and social well-being.
Communicating
Tips for communicating with people who have a learning disability.
Conditions
Information about learning disabilities and other medical conditions.
Making Friends
Helpful tips and advice on how to meet people and make friends.
The Equality Act
Understanding how the Equality Act 2010 protects people from discrimination.
Accessible Info
How to get information you can understand from health and social care services.
Helpful Definitions
What is ASD?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the name for a range of similar conditions, including Asperger syndrome, that affect a person's social interaction, communication, interests and behaviour. Getting a diagnosis as an adult can often help a person with ASD and their families understand the condition, and work out what type of advice and support they need.
Visit the National Autistic Society →What is a Learning Disability?
A learning disability affects the way a person learns new things in any area of life, understands information, and communicates. It can be mild, moderate, or severe. Around 1.5m people in the UK have one. A learning disability is not the same as a learning difficulty or mental illness.
What is Down's Syndrome?
Down's syndrome, also known as trisomy 21, is a genetic condition that typically causes some level of learning disability and certain physical characteristics. Everyone born with Down's syndrome will have some degree of learning disability, but abilities and personalities differ for each person.
Visit the Down's Syndrome Association →Mental Health Needs
A mental health problem covers a range of emotional, psychological or psychiatric distress. Unlike a learning disability, mental health problems can affect anyone at any time and may be overcome with treatment. Research suggests that between 27% and 41% of adults with a learning disability also have a mental health problem.
Visit Mind →Key Legislation & Guidelines
Mental Capacity Act 2005
Protecting and empowering people who may lack the mental capacity to make their own decisions about their care and treatment.
Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS)
Ensuring people who cannot consent to their care arrangements in a care home or hospital are protected if those arrangements deprive them of their liberty.
Health & Care Act 2022
Including The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism, ensuring health and social care staff have the right skills and knowledge.
The Care Act 2014:
Safeguarding Adults
The Care Act sets out a clear legal framework for how local authorities should protect adults at risk of abuse or neglect. Local authorities must lead a multi-agency safeguarding system, make enquiries when an adult is at risk, and establish Safeguarding Adults Boards.