Talking about learning disability: Discursive acts in managing an ideological dilemma

Learning disability is a term that can mean different things to people. It also has undergone much revision and critique, being linked stigma prejudice. Consequently, talking about learning be delicate matter. This paper analyses the discursive work done by focus group participants (professionals lay people in supportive roles) manage their talk disability. We show how drew on six interpretive repertoires, organised as three binary pairs, negotiate an ideological dilemma associated with body. argue these repertoires maintain particular subject position, ‘good person’ performed what we call ‘passing off’ behaviour talk. conclude some aspects of remain ‘unspeakable’, this consequences for policies practices which determine support available disabilities.