Commentary on "A qualitative exploration of the life experiences of adults diagnosed with mild learning disabilities from minority ethnic communities"

Purpose – This paper seeks to provide a commentary on the previous paper in this issue “A qualitative exploration of the life experiences of adults diagnosed with mild learning disabilities from minority ethnic communities”. Design/methodology/approach – The commentary outlines the Valuing People White Paper and The Health Care Commission report Tackling the Challenge: Promoting Race Equality in the NHS in England, among others, as they relate to the author's research. Findings – Developing cultural knowledge is of fundamental importance in working towards race equality in mental health services for children and young people with learning disabilities Originality/value – Cultural competence refers to the ability to work effectively with individuals from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds, or in settings where several cultures co-exist. It includes the ability to understand the language, culture and behaviours of other individuals and groups, and to make appropriate recommendations.