It seems that most people with learning disabilities and those who work with them are agreed that change is needed in the sector to ensure another scandal like Winterbourne View doesn’t happen again. But making those changes is easier said… Read More...
The government has been trumpeting its figures on employment and support allowance which, they say, show that 75% of new applicants are found fit for work or abandon their claim before completing the medical assessment.Leaving aside the… Read More...
Ever since the government unveiled its plans for sweeping reform of the welfare system, there has been one area that hasreceived constant opposition; proposed reforms to disability living allowance (DLA). Throughout the consultation period… Read More...
Here's something that will make uncomfortable reading for thegovernment, yet will surprise few - if anyone - working in thelearning disability sector: financial pressures on local authoritybudgets and an alarming shortage of suitable social… Read More...
Could Andrew Dilnot and his colleagues have completed mission impossible and found the key to making sustainable reforms to the adult social care system? On an initial look, the answer may well be "yes." The recommendations from the… Read More...
So, 99% of the population can't name a high-profile person inthe media with a learning disability, according to an Ipsos MORI poll for Mencap - and I'm notsurprised. Think about it; apart from singer Susan Boyle, there arevery few people… Read More...
Time for some positive news from the learning disability sector: last week, Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust announced that it has appointed a specialist nurse with the aim of providing a better patient experience for people with learning… Read More...
Chancellor George Osborne's third Budget contained little goodnews for people with learning disabilities, and will haveheightened worries over benefits for many. First, the good news:the personal tax allowance limit has been raised to… Read More...
More worrying news on the potential impact of benefit and service reform emerged last week, with a Joint Committee on Human Rights report saying the proposed reforms risk leaving disabled people without the support they need to live… Read More...