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Supported employment for people with learning disabilities: the case of full-time work
- Author:
- McINALLY George
- Journal article citation:
- Tizard Learning Disability Review, 13(3), October 2008, pp.42-46.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
North Lanarkshire Council's supported employment has achieved a reputation for delivering full-time work for people who have learning disabilities. Since 1999, the service has accessed 175 jobs, and current supports 127 individuals who work more than 16 hours a week. This article describes how the approach taken by North Lanarkshire can be adopted by other authorities.
Looking for love
- Author:
- ETHERINGTON Keith
- Journal article citation:
- Learning Disability Today, April 2011, pp.22-24.
- Publisher:
- Pavilion
- Place of publication:
- Hove
The setting up and funding of the Dates-n-mates, a dating and friendship agency run by and for people with a learning disability is described. It operates as a project of C-Change for Inclusion, a Glasgow based supported living organisation and charity that provides creative person-centred services for people with learning disabilities and mental health issues.
Growing confidence
- Author:
- HOGG Hilary
- Journal article citation:
- Learning Disability Today, 10(5), June 2010, pp.30-31.
- Publisher:
- Pavilion
- Place of publication:
- Hove
Border Links is a social enterprise limited company designed to promote social inclusion by enabling adults with learning disabilities to contribute to the community while developing skills as part of a trading enterprise. It was set up in January 2006 with small grants from DEFRA and the Leader Gold Fund. Initially a community club with just two members there are now 36 adults involved at four clubs; three in Northumberland and one in Scotland. The vegetable basket scheme is a key part of the day service programme and delivers fresh produce to around 70 homes near the Northumberland sites. Group members are involved in all aspects of the project from selecting, ordering and weighing to packing and delivering the produce. The benefits and skill development for clients and advantages for the wider community are discussed. Border Links is self-sustaining, clients are referred by care managers, schools, Connexions and other agencies and funding comes from local authorities and direct or personal payments. The organisers believe what makes them special is that they work with clients within a local and small groups context.
Service audit pilot report
- Author:
- McCUE Michael
- Publisher:
- Joint Improvement Team
- Publication year:
- 2011
- Pagination:
- 16p.
- Place of publication:
- Edinburgh
The Scottish Government Mental Health Division established the National Co-Morbidity Working Group in 2007. The initial focus of this working group was on the use of in-patient and related services for people with a learning disability with mental health needs. This document provides an overview of efforts to expand the remit of the National Co-Morbidity Working Group to include a re-consideration of the scope of services for people with a learning disability, offending behaviour and autistic spectrum difficulties. A work plan was developed, which included the aim of identifying the most responsive models of service for this client group via a detailed analysis of existing international, national and local service models and key service model characteristics. The outcome of this modelling work was the development of a set of 22 Key Service Model Characteristics (KSMC), which appear to be predictive and reflective of responsive services for individuals with complex support needs. The KSMC was used to evaluate the quality and service governance processes of Turning Point Scotland (TPS). In addition, a workshop event was held with the Risk Management Team of TPS which aimed to evaluate the KSMC as a template for real service review and development.
Centre bridges gap for disabled children
- Author:
- -
- Journal article citation:
- Children and Young People Now, 4.5.11, 2011, pp.20-21.
- Publisher:
- Haymarket Business Publications Ltd
Action for Children's Gilmerton Road Support Services, on the outskirts of Edinburgh, is helping improve the quality of life of children with learning disabilities who also have challenging behaviour and their families. The service works in partnership with local health services and councils and provides a mix of short breaks and outreach.
Building bridges to a good life: a review of asset based, person centred approaches and people with learning disabilities in Scotland
- Authors:
- McNEISH Di, SCOTT Sarah, WILLIAMS Jennie
- Publisher:
- Scottish Commission for Learning Disability
- Publication year:
- 2016
- Pagination:
- 79
- Place of publication:
- Glasgow
This review explores the potential to join up thinking on increased choice and control for people with learning disabilities and the principles of asset based working. Commissioned by the Scottish Commission for Learning Disability, it considers the efficacy of asset based approaches for people with learning disabilities, looks at evidence of the impact these approaches can have on people’s lives and also identifies examples of good practice in Scotland. The review draws on the results of a literature review; interviews with key informants involved in asset based working and learning disability services; and a mapping of projects using asset based principles with people with learning disabilities across Scotland. The results suggest that there are is reason why the focus of assets work cannot be broadened to include opportunities for people with learning disabilities. However it suggests that asset based approaches should be seen in the context of efforts to advance the personalisation and social integration agendas, and that if that they need to fit alongside services, support systems and initiatives. Examples included in the review illustrate how services can add to the assets of individuals and communities, provided they are willing and committed to relating to people and doing things differently. Factors identified that facilitate asset based approaches with people with learning disabilities, include: addressing wider inequalities and stigma; ensuring people with learning disabilities are active participants in place based community development; and tackling attitudinal barriers and established ways of doing things. (Edited publisher abstract)
Powers of attorney and their safeguards: an investigation into the response by statutory services and professionals to concerns raised in respect of Mr and Mrs D
- Author:
- MENTAL WELFARE COMMISSION FOR SCOTLAND
- Publisher:
- Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland
- Publication year:
- 2012
- Pagination:
- 20p.
- Place of publication:
- Edinburgh
Mr and Mrs D, a couple with mild learning disabilities, suffered years of abuse at the hands of their power of attorney, Mr E. Mr and Mrs D gave Mr E power of attorney to manage their finances and welfare in December 2003. This was allowed to happen despite evidence of emotional and financial exploitation of Mr and Mrs D by Mr E. Between 2003 and 2009 there were over 40 records of concern about how Mr E was interacting with Mr and Mrs D and managing their finances and welfare. The local authority and the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) looked into the actions of the attorney. However, it was left to the couple to revoke the powers themselves, despite evidence that they were afraid of the attorney. Mr and Mrs D eventually revoked the power of attorney in June 2009 with support from independent advocacy and another family member (Mr F). This investigation looks at what action was taken by health and social work services when they believed that the powers of attorney were not being used correctly. It also examines the process of the granting of the power of attorney in December 2003. It concludes that there were fundamental problems with understanding the legislation. Practitioners of all disciplines needed a better understanding of the meaning of ‘incapable of acting’ and the problems that arose because of undue influence.
Developing a policy for sexual health education for children and young people with Autism Spectrum Disorders and learning disabilities
- Author:
- BALLANTYNE Diane
- Journal article citation:
- Scottish Journal of Residential Child Care, 11, October/November 2011, pp.58-64.
- Publisher:
- Department of Social Work. University of Strathclyde.
Linn Moor School provides care and education for 22 children with severe and challenging behaviour. Around 80% of these children have a diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and all have some form of learning disabilities. Due to these difficulties, providing sexual health education has been a challenge and there has never been a whole-school approach. The aim of this paper is to discuss the importance of providing sexual health education to children with ASD, and to describe the development of a sexual health education policy and programme within the school. It was decided that sexual health education should be delivered using a staged approach, starting from a very basic level but teaching topics that were most necessary to reduce risk to individuals with ASD. An assessment form was designed by the occupational therapist for staff to be able to design individual protocols for each student based on their current understanding. The policy action plan included consultation with staff and parents, setting targets, researching the available policies in the sector, and writing a training course. The article concludes by emphasising the importance of policy and training in the area of sexual health education.
Supporting parents with learning disabilities and difficulties: stories of positive practice
- Author:
- WORKING TOGETHER WITH PARENTS NETWORK
- Publisher:
- Norah Fry Research Centre
- Publication year:
- 2009
- Pagination:
- 20p.
- Place of publication:
- Bristol
This booklet tells the stories of 6 families headed by a parent or parents with learning disabilities or difficulties who have been enabled, with the right support from professionals, to look after their children and safeguard their welfare. The stories aim to give an insight into the complexities of the real lives of parents with learning disabilities and difficulties, and illustrate the positive impact of professionals who provide appropriate, positive, flexible and coordinated support. The stories show that if parents are given support tailored to their particular learning styles and their family’s needs, they can parent effectively, despite the negative expectations and difficulties they face. The work of the services and staff described in these stories illustrates how the aims and provisions of the Children Act 1989 (for England and Wales ) and the Children Act ( Scotland ) 1995 can be put into practice.
Reducing health inequalities in Scotland: the involvement of people with learning disabilities as national health services reviewers
- Authors:
- CAMPBELL Martin, MARTIN Mike
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 38(1), March 2010, pp.49-58.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Reducing health inequalities is a key priority for the Scottish Government. Health authorities are expected to meet quality targets. The involvement of people with learning disabilities in health service review teams has been one of the initiatives used in by National Health Service Quality Improvement Scotland to empower patients and improve health services. This paper describes this initiative, how it was planned, and an evaluation by health staff, carers and people with learning disabilities. Recommendations are made to ensure the future success of this type of initiative in Scotland and elsewhere. This initiative was evaluated positively and tested traditional assumptions, challenging the power imbalance in patient-provider relationships. The theory and the practice of including people with learning disabilities as 'expert patient' reviewers are discussed.