Advocacy and being heard Self-advocates and families need support to build confidence which enables them to speak for themselves and take part in designing the most suitable services for them. Expand The giving of a voice, speaking up or having a say was the most common theme identified by individuals who participated in consultations. Advocacy is a frontline service that ensures people get a say in their lives which allows people with learning disabilities and people with autism to achieve equality and gain their rights. The further support to ensure more people are self–advocates is crucial to truly empower people to speak up and be heard.
Leadership, commissioning and personalisation There is a need to take a different approach to commissioning that is person centred, localised and allows for people to be involved in the choices that are made, which should be with them not for them. Co-production is essential and the need for co-commissioners with learning disabilities and autism is essential to successful delivery . Expand The recent budget cuts to social and healthcare funding has proved challenging to local authorities and Clinical Commissioning Groups, but this has brought innovation and changes which involve the alignment of commissioning, this is more efficient, better value and easier to assess successes and failures. The focus will be on providing whole of life plans where appropriate, that strengthen independence, choice and control. Outcomes should be person centred and measurable with individuals having support to provide quality feedback. Providers should be accountable, and ensure feedback is accurate. Individuals should be supported to give honest feedback without fear of reprisals. Commissioning should be explicitly human rights aligned and ensure there are co-commissioners that have learning disabilities and co-commissioners with autism. Specific participatory budgeting alongside a local inclusive growth agenda which will present challenges but also opportunities to work together as a community on a shared vision for a truly inclusive borough. Since April 2014, people eligible for NHS continuing health care have the right to request a personal health budget so access to this service should be available and a realistic choice allowing individuals to make an informed decision on who, how and what their package of care looks like should be offered.
Justice system Victims should be heard and supported and offenders should be supported within the community to prevent reoffending. Expand Working with the police, the courts, and the prison and probation service to ensure there is an understanding of how to engage with both victims and perpetrators which reduces the risk of offending and harm, with an aim to reduce contact with the criminal justice system and restrictive environments such as long-stay hospitals. A commitment is needed to ensure that victims of crimes with learning disabilities and autism have the same access to the legal processes as those without.
Good health, mortality and transforming care People with learning disabilities in particular have significantly poorer health outcomes and have a reduced life expectancy from preventable causes. People with autism are waiting unacceptable amounts of time to receive a diagnosis. Expand Health inequalities faced by people with learning disabilities should be addressed, working together with health colleagues to ensure that the delivery of the transforming care programme is successful. With an aim to ensure a reduction in early deaths, and a focus on learning disability registers, improvements will be in both physical and emotional wellbeing ensuring that individuals are not disadvantaged.
Workforce development A skilled, flexible, responsive workforce with local providers who value and support their workforce. Expand The workforce should be trained, equipped and supported to attain skills to effectively interact with people with learning disabilities and autism. Activities and interactions should be age-appropriate and person-centered considering individual needs. In addition awareness training provided in collaboration with self-advocates should be provided for local businesses and community members to develop a greater understanding and promote a truly inclusive borough.
Housing This has been identified because People with Learning disabilities and people with autism want and deserve to have the same choices as everyone else. A home which meets their needs which enables them to thrive in a safe community. Expand Everybody should have the opportunity to live in their own home, within a community where they feel safe, included, with their own front door and access to local amenities. Improvements should be made to the current housing options where there is choice, opportunities and support with transitions.
Early help This has been identified because a whole family approach is needed to support children and young people. Early help should be available when needed to prevent crisis. Expand Timely diagnosis for individuals, so correct plans can be made to ensure relevant needs are met to prevent long term implications. Correct support and advocacy that focuses on peer support for parents and carers and self-advocacy to ensure as experts by experience they are involved and included from the outset.
Transitions (life changes) This has been identified as joined up and planned for transitions at all life stages is crucial to ensure health, wellbeing and reduce anxiety. Expand Independence encouraged from early years with individuals involved in choices and support with positive aspirational outcomes that adapts to meet individual’s needs. (One size does not fit all). Planned for and seamless positive transitions for children moving into adulthood with all services aligned to assist this process rather than hinder. Closer attention to middle and later life transitions with adaptable support for individuals who reside with families which prepares for continuation of own home living that is supported and meeting their needs. Whole life plans that mirror realistic and attainable goals, which enable individuals to live a fulfilled life whilst living in their own homes with the right levels of care and support and the same opportunities as those without learning disabilities or autism.
Education and employment Young people need support to have aspirations and everyone has skills and want to contribute to society. Expand To ensure individuals are supported in obtaining and maintaining both paid and voluntary work. Schools, colleges and training providers should be inclusive, effective and close to home with appropriately trained staff in all sectors which meet the needs and support individual dreams and aspirations. Outcomes of mainstream education versus special education should be measured for effectiveness.
Inclusion and reducing isolation Making friends and having relationships is essential to having a good quality of life. Expand To ensure all people with learning disabilities and people with autism have the opportunity to fully integrate within their local community with choices equal to others who do not have a learning disability or autism. To raise awareness about learning disabilities and/or autism so that all residents are welcoming and inclusive of all individuals with varying needs and not discriminatory in any way.