Key Concepts in Learning Disabilities

Geoff Astbury, MA, Cert. Counselling, RCNT, RNMH is a Senior Lecturer, Learning Disabilities, in the Faculty of Health and Social Care at the University of Chester, UK. He has extensive experience in teaching all aspects of learning disability issues. He also teaches on psychology and nursing, co-presentation of learning disability and mental illness and communication in nursing. His research interests include co-presentation of learning disability and mental illness and the social construction of learning disability. He has a special interest in discourse practice in learning disability nursing.

Tom Mason, PhD, BSc (Hons), RMN, RNMH, RGN is Professor of Mental Health and Learning Disabilities in the Faculty of Health and Social Care at the University of Chester, UK. He has worked as a nurse for over thirty years, predominately, but not exclusively, as a psychiatric nurse. He has worked in clinical practice for 17 years and over 13 years in academic posts. He has co-authored and co-edited 12 books and published over 70 journal articles. His main professional interests include the management of violence in healthcare settings, the interface between mental health and crime and the protection of vulnerable groups in society.