What is a learning disability?

A learning disability can be a different experience for everyone that has one. 

Hear from Vijay, James, Leroy, Amy and Emily about what having a learning disability means to them.

Find out more  

We have created Easy Read guides about learning disability and conditions, including specific conditions below.

  • Easy Reads about associated conditions
Easy Reads about associated conditions
Angelman syndrome
Asperger syndrome
Autism
Cerebral palsy
Challenging behaviour
DiGeorge syndrome
Down syndrome
Fragile X syndrome
Global developmental delay
Rett syndrome
SYNGAP1
Williams syndrome

Busting myths about learning disability

To help people understand learning disability, we formed a team of Myth Busters. This group of ambassadors help challenge misconceptions about what living with a learning disability looks like.

Meet the Mencap Myth Busters  
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Learning disability research and statistics

See our latest research and statistics on a range of issues affecting people with a learning disability, from health and social care to finding work and friendships. 

Find out more

Care. Community. Campaign

Support to live life to the full. 

This is learning disability.

This is Mencap  
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The Learning Disability Helpline

Our free helpline service offers advice and support for people with a learning disability, and their families and carers.

Find out more

Donate to Mencap

£7

could answer a call from someone in crisis who reaches out to our Learning Disability Helpline for support.

£25

could help a trained caseworker stop a parent’s loved one from being wrongfully locked away in a mental health hospital.

£50

could help pay for urgent legal support for a family in desperate need of advice to prevent their loved one being admitted to an in-patient unit.