John shares his frustrating experience of being denied an annual health check by an uninformed doctor. Often overlooked during appointments, especially when accompanied by support. John emphasises the need for professionals to speak directly to people with learning disabilities, allow extra time, and recognise their capacity to understand their health.
His story highlights persistent challenges faced by people with learning disabilities when accessing healthcare services and the urgent need for better communication, awareness, and equity in healthcare.
Meet John Clark
Hi, my name is John Clark. I’m 47 and I live in Stirling, and I have a learning disability. I try to stay as active as I can. My hobbies are going out with friends and being part of local groups and organisations. I like to keep myself busy.
Learning About My Rights - By Chance
I recently went to the doctor because I heard from a group I’m involved in that people with learning disability should get an annual health check.
At this appointment, I asked about getting my annual health check, and the doctor didn’t know what I was talking about. I had to explain what the health check was and what should be included. He still didn’t understand.
It left me feeling confused, agitated, and angry. I was telling the doctor something they should be telling me about and offering it to me.
I had never heard about these health checks from the doctor. I found out by chance.
I wasn’t offered one when I should have been.
These are important to keep us healthy and get the treatment we may need at the right time.
Being Spoken About — Not To
When I attend appointments with support, the doctor speaks to them about my health instead of me.
It makes me feel invisible.
I think people with learning disabilities are not spoken to about their health, as professionals don’t think we understand it.
In my experience, because I have a learning disability, professionals put in less effort with appointments and think we don’t notice.
We deserve the same level of care as everyone else.
What Needs to Change
Just to be noticed as a person would make a big difference.
To make people feel valued who have a support worker with them, and to speak to them about their health and not the person who is with them.
People with learning disabilities can sometimes take a bit longer to understand and speak about health.
Don’t rush us out the door, give us the time we need and deserve.
When I’m Seen and Heard
Most of my good experiences at the doctor’s are when I’m alone for my appointment.
That’s when they take the time to listen to me and explain things clearly, in different ways, so I understand.
It makes me feel seen and valued.
I notice they put more effort into my care and treatment, and listen to what I want.
However, if my support worker is there, they need to remember to treat me the same as it’s my appointment, so it’s me you speak to.
I Am Here – See Me, not the person beside me
Watch a video about John
Share John C's story
