What is a learning disability?
A learning disability is different for every person who has one. But there are some things that are true for everyone with a learning disability, and some common (and not so common) conditions that will mean you have a learning disability.
We don't consider neurodiversity (like ADHD and autism) to be a learning disability. But someone with a learning disability might also be neurodiverse.
Do you have a learning disability?
We want to help you to achieve and create goals for yourself. So that you have opportunities to do more.
We want to help you to:
- meet new people
- look after your health and wellbeing
- get skills to volunteer or get job
- get qualifications
We offer supportive learning courses where everyone feels safe, included, and valued. Learners can express themselves and connect with others in a friendly environment.
We believe everyone has unique strengths and talents. Our courses help learners feel proud of their achievements and grow in confidence.
Our experienced tutors run weekly sessions, building strong relationships with learners and creating a supportive space where everyone can succeed.
Courses
We have courses running across the county that can help you to gain skills to be healthy and look after yourself:
- supported learning - pottery
- supported learning - volunteer passport
- supported learning - healthy cooking
- supported learning - volunteer passport
- supported internships
We have lots of different courses available. We have changed the way we work recently so some of the language we use has changed.
Find supported learning courses
We also welcome people with a learning disability to our other courses, if you think it is suitable for you.
Email cs.supportedlearning@derbyshire.gov.uk if you would like to book a course or receive more information.
Supported internships
Suitability
We're running a supported internship at Chesterfield Royal Hospital. This could be right for you if you:
- are aged 18 to 24-years-old
- have an educational health care plan (EHCP)
- feel (almost) ready to prepare for full-time employment
- are able to travel daily to Chesterfield Royal Hospital
The programme
The project develops personal confidence and specific job skills.
The internship is defined as a full-time educational placement. You'll join a select group of peers and receive individualised support from work based mentors, a job coach and a personal tutor. During your internship, you'll experience 3 different skills placements in the hospital.
Seventy per cent of participants in similar projects have gained employment.
Contact supported internships
If you're interested, want further information or to make an application, please email supportedinternships@derbyshire.gov.uk or telephone: 01629 539463.
Celebrate learning disabilities week
Find out what courses we offer, and how we can help you to meet people, get new skills, and have fun.
Come along and see how we can support the people you work with on their learning journey. We'd love to see you there!
Monday 16 June 2025 from 1pm to 3pm
Clay Cross ACE Market Street, Clay Cross S45 9JE
Join us at Clay Cross Adult Education Centre to find out what's available. Have a go at craft activities, tour of our centre and see what some of our learners are doing in our cookery course. An opportunity to chat to services who support adults with learning disabilities in the local area.
Wednesday 18 June 2025 from 1pm to 3pm
Derbyshire Eco Centre Porter Lane, Middleton by Wirksworth DE4 4LS
Join us at Derbyshire Eco Centre for our enterprise event. Learners from countryside skills course and pottery friendly will be selling handmade items, giving demonstrations and offering tours of the centre. Come along and see their fantastic work in action!
Thursday 19 June 2025 from 1pm to 3pm
Ilkeston and Cotmanhay ACE Centre Bennerley Avenue, Ilkeston DE7 8PF
Come along to our celebration event at Cotmanhay and take the opportunity to try out some of the courses we deliver. You'll also be able to enjoy a tour of our building and share your thoughts on what courses you’d like to see us offer in the future.