Inspire - Partnership Through Life

Who We Support

Inspire aims to offer opportunities for an excellent quality of life to people with learning disabilities in North East Scotland.

Inspire is an award winning Scottish charity that was established in 1988.

The children, young people and adults we work with have a wide range of learning diabilities.  The term 'learning disability' refers to a person who find sit more difficult to learn, understand and do things compared to others.  The degree of disability can vary greatly - some people may never learn to speak and even as grown-ups they will need help with looking after themselves; from feeding, dressing or going to the shops.  On the other hand, the disability can be mild and individuals can become quite dependent, with support.

A person who has a general learning disability is aware of what goes on around them.  However, their ability to understand and communicate may be limited and they can find it hard to express themselves.  Speech problems can make it even harder to make other people understand their feelings and needs.  They are often frustrated and upset by their own limitations and they compare themselves to others.

There are an estimated 1.5 million people with a learning disability throughout the UK and, like everybody else, they are all individual, with different needs and aspirations.

There are many conditions associated with a learning disability including Downs Syndrome, Autism and Asperger's Syndrome.  Individuals with a learning disability may have associated physical disabilities, however, many may not.