Competencies are the skills needed by all of us to get on with our lives and developing competence enhances our self esteem and give us a sense of independence. It is often assumed that people who have a disability have a lesser need for or desire for skills. Another assumption often made is that people who have a disability do not have the ability to develop new skills and competencies.

The CLP believes everybody has the capacity to learn new things particularly if they have relevance to the person concerned. The CLP recognises that positive expectations, a confident attitude, access to great role models, creativity in teaching processes and having realistic goals, all contribute to and enhance the chances of someone's continuing growth and development.

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