Apr 27 2004
The UK Department of Health has launched two new guides to Direct Payments to make them more accessible for people with learning disabilities. Because Direct Payments allow individuals to choose what services they want and how and when they want them it can empower people with learning disabilities to live more independently in the community.
‘Direct Choices’ is a new publication for local authorities. Through best practice examples, it provides help and advice on encouraging and supporting people with learning disabilities to take up Direct Payments.
The second guide is a significantly improved version of a more general guide to Direct Payments, which has been developed in conjunction with people with learning disabilities. The guide, which also includes a CD-Rom and an audiotape, was developed by Swindon People First, a user run self-advocacy group for people with learning difficulties. It includes case studies of people who are on Direct Payments including Cliff:
Cliff lives independently and uses his Direct Payment to employ a support worker to help him with things like shopping, cooking, cleaning, hospital visits, money, bills and letters. Cliff says that he is now his own boss and is in control of his own life.
Health Minister Stephen Ladyman said:
"Direct payments are a key part of the Government’s agenda to enable older people and those with physical and learning disabilities to be independent and not dependent. They give people the freedom to purchase care on terms that best suit their individual needs and timescales and I hope that these new guides will encourage more to reap the benefits of Direct Payments."