Sources of evidence
The claimant is generally not in a position to be able to provide the information required to accurately assess mobility and care needs. The necessary details are best obtained from the Carer, Consultant, Specialist Nurse or Occupational Therapist
It may be difficult to obtain recent medical evidence for adults with a learning disability, when they have limited contact with their general practitioners or hospital services, since their general health is satisfactory. However for older teenagers and young adults some reports and previous assessments, including those made by educational psychologists, may be available in their medical records or from the school or college they are attending:
Note: These reports should be accompanied by medical evidence wherever possible.
They may also have been assessed by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, social workers and other health care professionals who provide services for people with learning disabilities living in the community. Copies of reports may be obtained from community teams, social services or local authorities. This applies to those living at home and in residential accommodation. Customers or their carers may also have copies of these assessments or care plans.
An assessment by a Health Care Professional is appropriate when disabilities are stable and long standing, and when other sources of evidence are not available, or give insufficient detail to ascertain the overall level of functional impairment.
Amended September 2011
