Learning disability month: “My life changed all at once”

According to a study completed by Mencap, 2.16% of adults within the UK are believed to have a learning disability along with 2.5% of children.

Dwaine Brown a former electrical engineering student from Hull University evoked how the aftermath of meningitis changed many parts of what once an average life was, including the ability to relearn.

Dwaine Brown, 35 years-old     (Khadeejah Rahman)

Brown was completing his final year at Hull University, hoping to become an electrical engineer post-graduation. However, he was not able to fulfil this dream: “I look at where I am now and look at where I was” he said. I ended up in hospital for six months, first I was in a comma, and I woke up unable to move, and then spent the next six months relearning how to walk” Brown added. “I tried to relearn my uni stuff, tried it for months and sat in front of a computer but I can’t concentrate for too long because I go dizzy and just get exhausted” he said.

After spending a year in a coma, Dwaine departed the hospital in 2018; day-to-day activities have become difficult. Having gained a disability at the age of thirty, his mental health started to take a toll. Brown said: “I had no strength whatsoever… the days were short, but they just felt like forever so learning to adapt was hard” he added.

As the learning and disability awareness month ends, many learning disabilities associations around the globe are raising awareness. Organisations such as the British Institute of Learning Disabilities and MenCap, aim to reduce stigma to allow people of all ages to get the services and support, they need to reach their potential.

( UCheck)

Michelle, an advisor from Mencap said, “ There are many schemes set up in local areas that will help people of all ages with their mental health”. She added, “We have volunteering teams that are set up to help people with learning disabilities get involved if they are able to and meet new people”.

A study founded by Medical Health Today claimed that there are over 236,000 global deaths that occur due to meningitis. Doctors informed Brown’s family that he would not survive or would end up living like a ‘vegetable’. However, five years after the disease, Brown has learned to stabilise his balance, walk and regain independence in his everyday life, including starting the gym. “I have a diary with a list of things I am going to do the next day and it usually has the same things in it, like my puzzles, reading and going to the gym… as I read them, I tick them off,” he said.

Amongst many individuals, mental health has become a prevalent issue within our society. MenCap explained that there is evidence suggesting that mental health issues are more likely to be found in people who have a learning disability. Brown evoked how he had suffered with many “emotional problems” after coming to terms with how he would adapt to his new life.

Brown’s advice to those who are encountering a similar experience to him and individuals who face learning disabilities consisted of “think of the thing you want and don’t give up because the second you give up it’s over. Even if it takes ten years, that thing you want if you want it that much you will achieve it”.

Dwaine showcasing  his earpiece (Khadeejah Rahman)

Gov.uk has set up a Disabled Student’s Allowance to aid students with disabilities within their time in higher education to create ease and support. This is available for students on the Gov. uk website.

Khadeejah Rahman Cov Feed.