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The role of supported employment agencies in promoting the health of people with learning disabilities: a briefing report for Department of Health and agencies
- Authors:
- VIGNA Elisa, BEYER Stephen, KERR Michael
- Publisher:
- Welsh Centre for Learning Disabilities
- Publication year:
- 2011
- Pagination:
- 22p.
- Place of publication:
- Cardiff
Health promotion is particularly important for people with learning disabilities. Particular health problems faced by people with learning disabilities include obesity, smoking and alcohol use. This research examines the role of supported employment agencies (SEAs) in promoting the health of people with learning disabilities. A web survey was set up to investigate the strategies used by the UK SEAs to prevent behaviour that risks health. Fifty agencies completed the survey: 79% from England; 13% from Wales; 4% from Scotland; and 4% from Northern Ireland. The report presents the results regarding the activities of SEAs in assessing, training and providing ongoing support in relation to health and well-being promotion initiatives. Data on the agency’s awareness of the health problems people with learning disabilities face were included in the survey results. The research identified health promotion assistance agencies either delivered directly or outsourced to health professionals. The paper identifies the potential for agencies to capitalise on their role as employment mediators to promote healthy lifestyles for employees with learning disabilities.
Supported employment for people with learning disabilities in the UK: the last 15 years
- Authors:
- MELLING Kathy, BEYER Stephen, KILSBY Mark
- Journal article citation:
- Tizard Learning Disability Review, 16(2), April 2011, pp.23-32.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
In the April 1997 issue of Tizard Learning Disability Review these authors wrote of their aspirations for the development of supported employment in the United Kingdom. This paper revisits these aspirations against a changing policy context with the introduction of Valuing People and Valuing People Now. It reviews developments in employment policy, innovation, the framework for funding supported employment and changes in the level of employment for people with learning disabilities since 1997. Despite significant improvements in policy, not much has changed for England in terms of the number of people with learning disabilities employed. However, there are a number of positive developments to draw on to ensure that this number increases. This article summarises the progress in this area over this 15 year period and the challenges that remain. It suggests the need for further action to deliver the Government's vision of employment inclusion and to secure the rights of people with learning disabilities to a place in the workplace.
Barriers to using personalised technology with people with learning difficulties
- Authors:
- BARNARD Steve, BEYER Stephen
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Assistive Technologies, 3(3), September 2009, pp.50-57.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
The TATE (Through Assistive Technology to Employment), project demonstrated the potential of assistive technology for people with learning difficulties; in particular a number of areas where personalised technology is appropriate. These included more accessible forms of information, more creativity in helping people to try out and use technology, increased co-ordination between personalised technology providers and social care provider staff, a greater need for an ethical framework to guide installation and delivery, greater emphasis on the impact of staff changes on client social isolation and management of workforce expectation of change due to technology. A number of case studies supported these findings. The barriers to effective use of personalised technology were found to include lack of understanding of technology among statutory and voluntary social care providers, amounting in some cases to positive resistance, funding problems in the sense of confusion as to who should fund which aspects, the ethical questions caused partly by the involvement of manufacturers of the equipment , the need for provider leadership and good practice in understanding funding streams, capital and revenue cost implications, staff roles and responsibilities, and working with and understanding other stakeholder agencies, a need for workforce training at various levels, lack of comprehensive policy (for example the UK having only recently ratified the UN Convention on Disability Rights), and lack of experience of personal budget use to provide personalised technology.
Get a job...get a life
- Authors:
- KAEHNE Axel, BEYER Stephen
- Journal article citation:
- Learning Disability Today, November 2009, pp.30-31.
- Publisher:
- Pavilion
- Place of publication:
- Hove
The authors consider the culture shift needed to get people with learning disabilities into the labour market. A specific government pilot 'The Getting a Life programme' is briefly described. The programme mainly targets young people in education and aims to change attitudes of stakeholders and create partnerships.
Generation gap
- Authors:
- KAEHNE Axel, BEYER Stephen
- Journal article citation:
- Learning Disability Today, 9(3), May 2009, pp.34-36.
- Publisher:
- Pavilion
- Place of publication:
- Hove
The results of a study looking at what works when it comes to transition to employment for young people with learning disabilities are presented. The study looked at five aspects of transition support, including what models of employment transition planning currently operate; what transitional planning leads to young people gaining and keeping employment; what ensures effective involvement of young people, their families and relevant agencies; what agency partnerships are essential; and what changes in central and local government policy are needed to improve transition pathways to employment.
Outcomes of the TATE Project for people with learning disabilities and staff
- Authors:
- BEYER Stephen, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Assistive Technologies, 2(3), September 2008, pp.57-65.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
This research looked at the TATE (Through Assistive Technology to Employment ) Project and its delivery of ICT/AT to people with learning disabilities. It tested whether the Project affected independence, skills, choice and control exercised by people with learning disabilities, and if staff attitudes and skills were changed. A purposive sample of 29 people with learning disabilities were selected, and keyworkers were surveyed with a postal questionnaire at two time periods. Questionnaires covered AT/ICT received and any outcomes in: independence; skills; choice and control. Staff were asked about changes in their skills and attitudes. Questionnaires were transcribed and organised into common themes. Staff become supportive of assistive technology and developed ICT skills. Service users used ICT, and developed 'life stories' using Powerpoint. A variety of AT was also installed leading to increased independence, confidence and skills. AT/ICT can improve independence and services by putting people with learning disability at the centre of a well planned and resourced strategy.