Adam has a learning disability and visual impairments. Here, he debunks the myth that people with learning disabilities simply can’t learn.
I have a learning disability and a visual impairment. When I’m out and about, I find that there are some things that do not help me, such as when there are no lines on the stairs on the bus. This is difficult for me as I cannot judge the height of the step, and this could cause me to have a fall.
Today, I want to talk about some common myths about people with learning difficulties.
Myth: People With Learning Disabilities Cannot Learn
When people know that I have a learning disability and a visual impairment, they automatically assume that I am not very bright. However, they are soon shocked by my ability to retain knowledge and facts. For example, I have a very good memory when it comes to actors and the films they have been in. I also really like quiz shows and can answer a lot of the questions. I really enjoy sports such as snooker and darts, so my knowledge in these areas is very good.
Myth: All Learning Disabilities are the Same
Learning disabilities are complicated and they vary from person to person. They come in many shapes and forms and affect everyone differently. The impact that learning disabilities have may change in different settings, depending on the situation.
When I go to familiar places such as work or my social club, many people assume that I do not need assistance to get around. This can sometimes be difficult, as they assume that I can read normal size fonts, so sometimes I need help to do things such as read the menu in the café. People keep asking how I am feeling and if I need help, which makes me feel happy and that they care about me.
People with a disability can do things that other people can do such as going to work, going out to social clubs and going to cafes. The list goes on and on. We are just like other people.
