Learning difficulties (LD)

Unclassified players with a Learning Difficulty:-

The person has been identified as having a Learning (intellectual) disability: defined as ‘a condition of arrested or incomplete development of mind, which is characterized by impairment of skills manifested during the developmental period, which contribute to the overall level of intelligence, i.e. cognitive, language, motor and social abilities’ (World Health Organisation ICD-10) 

In other words: 
‘A significantly reduced ability to understand new or complex information, to learn new skills (impaired intelligence) with a reduced ability to cope independently (impaired social functioning) which started before adulthood, with a lasting effect on development’.  “Before Adulthood” means before the age of 18. 

If a person has been diagnosed after the age of 18 then they are eligible to compete in competitions providing the diagnosis has been made by a professional.

In common with other national and international sports organisations, a person is deemed to have an intellectual impairment, if they have a full scale IQ score of 75 or lower. IQ tests are acknowledged to be limited therefore it is important to gather additional information, to assist in understanding an individual’s abilities. In addition the individual is usually expected to have significant difficulties with self-care, adaptive behaviour and self-organisational skills. This definition covers adults with autism who also have intellectual Impairment.

Exclusions: It is important to draw a distinction between people who have a Learning (Intellectual) Disability and those with a specific learning difficulty (who are not eligible). Conditions such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, attention deficit disorder or challenging behaviour alone, are not eligible for participation in a Bowls England Open Disability Competition.

Similarly people with a physical or sensory impairment do not qualify, unless they also have a Learning (Intellectual) Disability.