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A summary of government initiatives relating to employment for people with learning disabilities in England
- Author:
- BLAMIRES Kate
- Journal article citation:
- Tizard Learning Disability Review, 20(3), 2015, pp.151-165.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: This paper provides a synthesis of current and previous government policies and strategies, in relation to people with learning disabilities and employment, to facilitate a better understanding of the current situation and future challenges. Design/methodology/approach: A search was completed to identify government policies relating to the employment of people with learning disabilities. Key policies were identified and their impact was discussed in the paper. Findings: It appears there is a necessity to identify how successful pilot projects can be replicated on a national scale, with clear targets and measures and initial financial support to set up these services. Alongside this there is a need for interventions targeting not just employers, but the general population, educating people about the importance of including and valuing people with learning disabilities in the workforce. Originality/value: It is important that policy is analysed and the impact of it is assessed to determine whether more action is necessary. This paper adds updates to some of the issues discussed in Melling et al.’s (2011) paper about “Supported employment for people with learning disabilities”. (Edited publisher abstract)
Current policy and legislation in England regarding older people: what this means for older people with learning disabilities: a discussion paper
- Authors:
- TURNER Sue, UEKI Madeline Cooper
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 43(4), 2015, pp.254-260.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Background: This paper seeks to explore the opportunities and challenges generated by current policy, guidance and legislation in England relating to older people, in terms of the practical implications for older people with learning disabilities. Methods: Using the broad themes housing, employment, social inclusion and isolation, care and support, and promoting better health and well-being, this paper discusses potential practical opportunities and concerns for older people with learning disabilities arising from policy and legislation such as current initiatives regarding integration, personalisation and the dementia policy. Consideration is given to the implications of changing policy and practice for both current and future generations of people with a learning disability as they reach older age. Conclusions: This discussion paper concludes that whilst there is potential for older people with a learning disability to benefit from policy and practice aimed at improving the lives of older people generally, the tendency for policy to be targeted at specific groups without adequately considering the diversity of those groups often leaves those with a learning disability at the margins of being able to make the most of changes. (Publisher abstract)
The Special Educational Needs and Disability Pathfinder Programme evaluation: final impact research report
- Authors:
- THOM Graham, et al
- Publisher:
- Great Britain. Department for Education
- Publication year:
- 2015
- Pagination:
- 238
- Place of publication:
- London
The final report from the evaluation of the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) pathfinder programme. The programme, which was established in 2011 to explore how to reform the statutory SEN assessment and statement framework, involved the development and delivery of alternative approaches that could enhance or replace the existing system. Each Pathfinder was tasked to develop and trial an assessment process; a single, joined up EHC plan; and personal budgets across education, social care and health, and adult services as appropriate for children and young people from birth to 25 years. This report covers the second 18 months of the pathfinder programme, ending in September 2014, and looks at its effect on: families’ satisfaction with the systems and processes in place to obtain support for their child; families’ views about the amount and quality of support available to them; families’ views about their own and their child’s health and wellbeing; and the cost of the assessment and planning processes for obtaining SEND support. The data suggest that the process has improved for families, often in ways that are incremental but still statistically significant. Despite the improvement around the process, however, there was no statistical change in the extent to which families thought the decisions reached were fair. The family survey found little evidence of significant improvements in parental outcomes or in either children’s health or quality of life. (Edited publisher abstract)
Is policy having an impact? Commentary on “A summary of government initiatives relating to employment for people with learning disabilities in England”
- Author:
- MELLING Kathy
- Journal article citation:
- Tizard Learning Disability Review, 20(3), 2015, pp.166-169.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: This paper provides a commentary on “A summary of government initiatives relating to employment for people with learning disabilities in England” by Kate Blamires. Design/methodology/approach: In her paper, Blamires outlines the development of policy in employment for people with learning disabilities. This commentary explores whether this policy development is having any impact. Findings: The statistics indicate that development of policy does not appear to be making a difference. It is concluded that this is about how it is being implemented and the time it takes for policy to have an impact. What is needed to fully implement these changes is a huge cultural shift, changing people’s mindset about what people with learning disabilities can achieve. (Edited publisher abstract)
Neglecting justice? Exploring Scottish convictions for ill-treatment and wilful neglect
- Authors:
- GODWIN Christopher, MACKAY Kathryn
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Adult Protection, 17(4), 2015, pp.234-244.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: This paper explores the perceived low number of Scottish criminal convictions in cases of ill-treatment or wilful neglect of adults where the victims experienced mental disorder, and/or incapacity. Human rights and anti-discrimination legislation are drawn upon to consider whether victims are gaining equality of access to justice through the charging and conviction of those who commit these offences. Design/methodology/approach: The paper uses the concept of parity of participation to first set out the wider legal framework in which access of justice takes place and to try to determine how it may be working in practice. Second the paper explores Scottish guidance, research and case law in relation ill-treatment or wilful neglect to evaluate the seeming lack of progress towards criminal convictions. Findings: Whilst the legal framework appears to promote equality of access to justice, little is known about how it is working in practice; in particular whether cultural barriers to participation are being addressed. Evaluation of Scottish statistical data on cases of ill-treatment and wilful neglect revealed a small number of cases progressing to court though there were challenges in constructing a pathway from charges to convictions. There also appeared to be no Scottish legal opinions published in connection with these cases. In addition lack of research means that little is known about why cases progress, and how victims might be being supported through the process. Research limitations/implications: It is suggested that these gaps in information, in comparison to England and Wales, might be hindering practice. In particular the apparent lack of operational definitions for ill-treatment and wilful neglect in Scotland may reduce the use of this type of criminal offence. As such criminal offences embedded within civil mental health and mental capacity legislation may currently be hidden in plain sight. The human rights consequences of the issues raised in this paper are argued as significant. Research is needed to fill these gaps and inform future guidance and training. Practical implications: Improved Scottish guidance and publicity of this issue is required. Local inter-agency discussions and training could develop a better understanding of how these offences have been defined and how disabled people might be supported through the legal processes. The Scottish publication of statistical information for charging and convictions might usefully record these offences separately to give them a greater public profile in the future. (Edited publisher abstract)