Guide: how to have a ‘what matters’ conversation with someone with a learning disability

Finding out what’s important to someone (from their point of view) rather than what’s important for them (from someone else’s point of view) is a key part of strengths-based practice.

By understanding individual needs – and involving the person and their support network – we can make sure that their care and support is tailored, compassionate and respectful.

It helps create a supportive environment that makes a supported person’s quality of life better.

People with learning disabilities may have different needs, which could affect how you communicate with them to find out what matters to them.

Anyone can use this guide to support someone with a learning disability.

Some practitioners may have other ways to support people to express what matters to them, which aren’t included in this guidance.

You can find resources and guidance to help you use strengths-based practice in our strengths-based practice section.

This guide is a starting point for ‘what matters’ conversations. You can use it as often as you need to, for as long as you need.

The most important thing is to capture, share, and understand what matters to the person you’re supporting, and use that information to give support.

Regularly recording and sharing this information helps maintain a high quality of life for the person, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.