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Supported employment in Scotland: some issues from research and implications for development
- Authors:
- HUNTER Susan, RIDLEY Julie
- Journal article citation:
- Tizard Learning Disability Review, 12(2), April 2007, pp.3-13.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
This article arises from the authors' experience of undertaking research for the Scottish Executive, following the deliberations of a national working group focusing on employment set up to progress the recommendations of the 'Same as You?' review, Scotland’s equivalent of 'Valuing People'. The article aims to contribute to a debate about the achievements and under-achievements of supported employment in the contemporary Scottish context. The research findings are used to discuss where we are now, some of the main problems, and how policy and practice need to move forward and develop. The author suggest that the time is right to initiate a strategic change in policy and professional practice. Supported employment must be firmly embedded in the wider employment landscape and the practice agenda of professionals, in order to ensure that real, paid jobs in integrated settings become a routine for people with learning disabilities who express these aspirations.
"Go for it!": supporting people with learning disabilities and/or autistic spectrum disorder in employment
- Authors:
- RIDLEY Julie, HUNTER Susan, INFUSION CO-OPERATIVE
- Publisher:
- Scotland. Scottish Executive. Social Research
- Publication year:
- 2005
- Pagination:
- 114p., bibliog.
- Place of publication:
- Edinburgh
This report aimed to investigate the employment support available for people with learning disabilities or autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) in paid and unpaid jobs in Scotland. The study aimed to map the nature and availability of employment support; to identify aspects of good practice; and to explore the direct experiences of individuals and their families. The study used both quantitative and qualitative methods and involved a review of the literature published in the past 5 years; telephone interviews with 10 key stakeholders; a postal questionnaire survey of 204 employment support providers; in-depth qualitative interviews with 15 supported employees, their families and 10 employees. The report concludes that there is some way to go before the aspirations of people with learning disabilities or ASD for real paid jobs are met. Examples of good practice were identified and, while the results were life changing for the individuals involved and their families, supported employment as originally intended was not being put into practice. There is a need for a more strategic and coordinated approach to developing and funding supported employment in Scotland so that its implementation can be more widespread.
Response to 'Progress with learning disability hospital closures in Scotland'
- Authors:
- HUNTER Susan, STALKER Kirsten
- Journal article citation:
- Tizard Learning Disability Review, 8(1), January 2003, pp.10-12.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Comments on an article in this issue of Tizard Learning Disability Review. The authors draw on their own research mapping the progress of hospital closures in Scotland and argue that progress remains slow. They find there is a long way to go before recommendations of the Scottish Executive publication 'The same as you?' will be met.
Unsettling times
- Authors:
- STALKER Kirsten, HUNTER Susan
- Journal article citation:
- Community Care, 19.11.98, 1998, pp.28-29.
- Publisher:
- Reed Business Information
As the Scottish Office embarks on a major review of services for people with learning difficulties, the authors explain how long-stay institutions are still home to many people.
Social inclusion and choice for adults with learning disabilities: some lessons from reprovisioning
- Authors:
- HUNTER Susan, PERRY Richard W.
- Journal article citation:
- Practice: Social Work in Action, 18(3), September 2006, pp.207-219.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Based on a study of the relocation of adults with learning disabilities from a local authority hostel to individual and multi-occupancy tenancies, this article argues that well-intentioned reprovisioning policy initiatives struggle to strike a balance between imperatives concerned with managing the state's duty of care, realising social inclusion and securing the rights of individuals. Protracted implementation and changes to the timetable contributed to tension between speed and meaningful consultation and adversely affected the perceived reliability of information. Many residents, staff and relatives were neither clear about the reasons for change, nor were supportive of it. Initial scepticism amongst staff and relatives changed over time to appreciation of the value of the move and frequency of contact between tenants and relatives remained relatively stable. However, the shift from unit-based management to that of dispersed tenancies put staff autonomy, support and supervision under scrutiny. More fundamentally, the choices available to users were restricted to matters of daily living and routine and few staff felt enabled to support them to take full advantage of the move.
To close or not to close. The future of learning disability hospitals in Scotland
- Authors:
- STALKER Kirsten, HUNTER Susan
- Journal article citation:
- Critical Social Policy, 19(2), May 1999, pp.177-194.
- Publisher:
- Sage
This article deals with the resettlement of people with learning difficulties from Scottish hospitals. First it outlines the policy background, tracing the rise and demise of the long-stay institution. It then reports on a study examining current resettlement policies in Scotland, where there is no national closure programme. The research found that resettlement is largely in disarray, with particular difficulties in planning, financial arrangements and inter-agency collaboration. Argues that there is a great risk of hospitals being perpetuated or reconstructed, particularly through the activities of NHS Trusts, and of people with dual labels remaining resident in them for years to come.