Involving experts by experience in Learning Disability Awareness Training

The National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTi) was commissioned in 2019 by the South Regional Health Education England Intellectual Disabilities programme to find and share best practice in training people who work in NHS Trusts to support people with learning disabilities. The aim is to support staff development to help them achieve better outcomes when they are working with people with learning disabilities. Further information about the project can be found here.

Early findings from the different strands of this project (surveys, hospital interviews and evidence reviews) highlighted the important role of experts by experience - self advocates and family carers - in the design and delivery of learning disability training. People who had attended training told us that the involvement of experts by experience made it more memorable and impactful for them.

This small research study was undertaken to explore the enablers and barriers to involving experts by experience. We have produced this evidence-based guidance on how self advocates and family carers can be involved well in the design and delivery of learning disability awareness training.

Available resources:

• Involving experts by experience in Learning Disability Awareness Training. A summary of findings from interviews with self-advocates, family carers and NHS practitioners.
• Easy Read summary of involving experts by experience in learning disability awareness training
• Training toolkit - What to do and not to do (before, during & after the training)?