The learning disability issues that matter to you, matter to us too.
We work in partnership with people with a learning disability in Northern Ireland to change laws and improve services and access to education, employment and leisure facilities.
One way we do this is to produce a range of research and briefing papers to influence government departments, political parties and other organisations to make sure the voice of learning disability is clearly heard in Northern Ireland.
How to get involved
If you are interested in getting involved in Mencap NI’s research and policy work, please contact:
- stephen.browne@mencap.org.uk
- 028 9063 01351.
Children’s Campaign (Early Years) Report
In September and October 2020 we surveyed 116 families from Northern Ireland, England and Wales.
We did this to find out more about how children with a learning disability aged 0-5 years and their families are treated in hospital, and what could be done to make their experiences better.
Read the easy read report Here
My Health, My Life: Barriers to healthcare for people with a learning disability during the pandemic
We explain the healthcare inequalities people with a learning disability have faced during the coronavirus pandemic, and what we think needs to change.
Read the full report Here
Read the easy read version Here
Treat Me Well: Children - Your rights in hospital
We have developed these resources to help ensure that children with a learning disability (aged 0 to 5) get the support they need when they are in hospital and how reasonable adjustments can be made.
There are 2 resources about getting the right care in hospital; one for parents and carers, and one for healthcare professionals.
This guide is about making reasonable adjustments.
NIUSE briefing paper on future funding for disability employment services
Employment Briefing Paper for NI Union of Supported Employment calling for clarification on future funding arrangements for disability employment services
Treat Me Well Report: Mencap NI Briefing Paper No.3
Mencap NI are calling for equal access to healthcare for people with a learning disability in Northern Ireland with our ‘Treat Me Well’ report on health inequalities.
Download Mencap NI PDF Briefing Paper No.3 from October 2019.
Mencap Priority Briefing Paper
Read Mencap NI's priority briefing paper PDF which focuses on:
- sleep-ins
- early intervention
- social care
- employment
- youth and community issues.
NIUSE - Future Funding for Disability Employment Services
The Northern Ireland Union of Supported Employment (NIUSE), Policy Group has launched a briefing paper outlining concerns and potential opportunities regarding a proposed new fund for supported employment, to replace the European Social Fund.
All Party Group on Learning Disability
Priority issues for people with a learning disability in Northern Ireland.
Ordinary houses in ordinary streets
Read Mencap NI's PDF Briefing Paper No.2 from May 2018
Independent social care and housing solutions for people with a learning disability.
This paper presents an overview of Mencap’s Personal Support service in Northern Ireland and discusses the main barriers to independent living and makes recommendations for wider policy and practice.
The Link Me Project
Changing the experience of older people with a learning disability in their communities.
The Link Me project was developed to address the complex and ingrained issue of isolation and loneliness amongst adults aged 55 and over with a learning disability.
Creating Brighter Futures
Early Intervention for young children with a learning disability.
Download Mencap NI's PDF Briefing Paper No1 from January 2018.
The briefing paper highlights why early intervention is important for young children with a learning disability and their families and what Mencap NI is doing to improve their outcomes.