Stigma and bias remain some of the biggest barriers faced by people with learning disabilities — and too often, it’s felt most acutely in healthcare settings.
By Joanne Blair and Shannon Porter – Nursing Times
A new spotlight from the UK’s Nursing Times highlights why supporting nurses to better understand and challenge stigma is so critical to delivering safe, compassionate care. Many nurses still feel underprepared to work confidently with patients with learning disabilities, leading to misunderstandings, miscommunication, and avoidable health inequalities.
Experts are calling for more tailored training, open conversations about unconscious bias, and practical resources that empower nurses to see the person, not the label. The message is clear: when frontline health professionals are equipped to listen, adapt and advocate, they can break down the stigma that keeps so many people from getting the care they deserve.
At Disability Connect, we believe tackling stigma in healthcare must be everyone’s business — because inclusive care saves lives.
