Section 3 of 10
In Progress

What is a Learning Disability (LD)?

A condition of arrested or incomplete development of mind which is especially characterised by the impairment of skills manifested during the development period which contribute to the overall intelligence i.e. cognitive, language, motor and social abilities.

A significantly reduced ability to understand new or complex information, to learn new skills (impaired intelligence) with reduced ability to cope independently (impaired social functioning) which started before adulthood with a lasting effect on development.

In 2016-17, 1 in 218 people in the UK were recorded as having a learning disability.
There are 1.4 Million people with a learning disability in the UK.
There are approx. 70,000 people with a LD in Wales, with family members & friends connected to them.

Only 1 in 4 people with a learning disability in Wales are known to Social Services. (Mencap Cymru)

The table below shows there were 13,843 people registered with learning disabilities in Wales. A decrease of 944 people when compared with the previous year. 53% of all people on the register were living with parents of the family, 18% were in lodgings or supported living.
Based on data submitted by 21 Welsh authorities, 31 March 2018.

Accommodation Type

Under 16

16-64

65+

Total

Placements in community settings

2404

8590

849

11843

Own Home

1565

312

1877

Living with parents or family

2270

4887

158

7315

Foster Home

134

72

4

210

Lodgings/Supported Living

0

2066

375

2441

Placements in residential establishments

29

1634

337

2000

Health Service accomodation

1

89

13

103

Local Authority care homes

9

47

29

85

Private or voluntary care home

16

1003

259

1278

Other accommodation

3

495

36

534

All accommodation

2433

10224

1186

13843