A History of Care or Control? Over 100 Years of Learning Disability Nursing

Sorry you are too late, this event has been and gone!

This exhibition, at the Royal College of Nursing, traces the fascinating origins and journey of learning disability nursing over the last 100 years.

About A History of Care or Control? Over 100 Years of Learning Disability Nursing

Listed Under Exhibitions Events / Health and Wellbeing Events / History Events

This exhibition traces the fascinating origins and journey of learning disability nursing over the last 100 years. The story starts in the nineteenth century, when people with learning disabilities were often kept away from society in institutions, through the changes in the twentieth century to support people to live independently.

Learn about the limitations of institutional life and discover the innovations made by nurses and people with learning disabilities themselves to support their human rights. Everyone is different and all individuals have unique needs. The changing history of learning disability nursing shows how these needs have been supported – and neglected – over time and highlights the importance of individualised care.

Also available in easy read, and online.

Our exhibitions are compact and a visit lasts up to 30 minutes. Why not plan a visit?

Location: Learning Hub, Royal College of Nursing, 42 South Oswald Road, Edinburgh EH9 2HH

Our venue is wheelchair accessible. Contact us if you have any access enquiries

Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.

All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.

GOT AN EVENT TO SHARE? It's free to post your events on What's On Edinburgh, click here to find out more!

Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Edinburgh? Follow us on Facebook and join the What's On Scotland Group!

Similar events you might like...

Turner in January

1st January 2026 - 31st January 2026

National Galleries of Scotland: National, Edinburgh Old Town

Following the incredible success of last year’s blockbuster exchange with the National Gallery of Ireland, Scotland’s own much-loved Turners are back in Edinburgh for 2026!

Drawing the Italian Renaissance: BSL Tour

31st January 2026

The Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh East

Join our British Sign Language tour of the Drawing the Italian Renaissance exhibition at The King's Gallery, Edinburgh.

Giants

31st January 2026 - 14th September 2026

National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh Old Town

Discover life-sized 3D sculptures, skeletons, and fossils in this immersive, family friendly exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland!

The Biba Story: 1964–1975

6th February 2026 - 27th June 2026

Dovecot Studios Ltd, Edinburgh Old Town

The Biba Story explores how fashion phenomenon Biba blossomed to become the world’s first lifestyle label, sparking a revolution in how people shopped.

Shorthair & All Breed Championship Cat Show

14th February 2026

West Lothian College, Livingston

The annual GCCF Championship Cat Show will be held on Saturday 14th February at West Lothian College Sports Hall, Livingston. It's a purr-fect day out for cat lovers everywhere!

Classic Trucks & Tractors

28th February 2026 - 1st March 2026

Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh West

From the organisers of Truckfest comes Classic Trucks & Tractors, a brand-new show on 28th Feb & 1st March 2026 at the Royal Highland Centre.

The Scottish Motorcycle Show

7th March 2026 - 8th March 2026

Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh West

The Scottish Motorcycle Show returns to the Royal Highland Centre on March 7th & 8th with all the latest models, major manufacturers, and breath-taking live action!

100 Best Australian Wines Festival with Matthew Jukes

21st March 2026

The Edinburgh Academy- Senior School, Edinburgh New Town

The 100 Best Australian Wines Festival with Matthew Jukes is back at The Edinburgh Academy on Saturday 21st March, following its great success last year!