Information Needs of Parents about Learning Disabilities

A survey of over 400 parents and carers of children and adults with severe learning disabilities was undertaken in N. Ireland. The aim was to identify the persons approached by the parents, the information required and the means used. The data are relevant to the setting up of national information centres as proposed by the government. The most common informants were social workers, staff in schools and centres, and GPs, but little use was made of voluntary services. A similar pattern was found regarding future informants. The most common topics were available services, leisure and holidays, and benefits. Parents of children under 10 were more likely to want information on education and therapies. The preferred means of getting information was through face-to-face contacts in the home.