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This guide has been written by the members of the User Forum with support from Spiral Skills for local businesses, schools and community services on how to treat people with a learning disability.

Even though we have the same rights as everyone else, we still get bullied, discriminated against and treated badly by some of the local services, shops and facilities were we live.

We hope that by reading this we can make people understand what it is like to have a learning disability and change people's attitudes toward us.

We think that sometimes people treat us badly because they do not understand what a learning disability is, or what it means to the lives of people who have one.

"Sometimes when I'm out, people laugh at me because of my disability and shop keepers are rude if they can't understand me, or if I take time sorting out my money"

Learning disability is not an illness and can affect people differently. With the right support and understanding, people can lead as full and ordinary life as anyone else.

"A cafe owner refused to serve me because I was 'handicapped' and I was so upset I was forced to leave"

Sometimes people with a learning disability may look different and might also have a physical disability or other health conditions such as epilepsy.

Unfortunately, there are still some people who are prejudiced against people with learning disabilities, perhaps through ignorance, fear or a lack of experience.

"When my boyfriend and I are on the bus we are often told to get off by other passengers. They say you're spastic you can't look after yourself or go anywhere by yourself"

Many people with learning disabilities find that society's attitude towards them, and the barriers this produces actually caused them more difficulties than their disability.

"A bus driver in Blyth totally ignored us waiting at the stop and just drove straight on"

Everybody has the same rights to privacy, to be treated with respect, to conduct relationships, to find meaningful work and to make choices about their everyday lives. We all need support to do this.

People with a learning disability are individuals with unique personalities, likes and dislikes,. goals and aspirations - just like everyone else.

A learning disability does not prevent someone from learning and achieving a lot in life if given the right support.

All people with a learning disability should be treated with respect and not make fun of or called names.

Do not use the words 'handicapped', 'spastic' or 'retarded' because we find this offensive and it gives people the wrong impression.

Mind Your Manners! - treat people the way you would want to be treated yourself!

It is against the law to discriminate against someone because of their disability!

This guide is available as a leaflet please get in touch if you would like a copy.