National strategy for people with a learning disbility

A 3 year government strategy for people with learning disabilities was launched in January 2009 called “Valuing People Now”.

"Valuing People Now" builds on the work of "Valuing People" but concentrates on "Making it happen for everyone".

This page outlines the keypoints about the government strategy titled "Valuing People Now" for people with a learning disabilities.

Find out more about the specific needs of people with learning disabilities in Kent.

Vision

All People with a learning disability are people first with the right to lead their lives like any others, with the same opportunities and responsibilities, and to be treated with the same dignity and respect. They and their families and carers are entitled to the same aspirations and life chances as other citizens

The 4 Principles of Valuing People Now

• Rights
  People with learning disabilities and their families have the same human rights as everyone else.
  
• Independent living
  This does not mean living on your own or having to do everything yourself. All disabled people should have greater choice and control over the support they need to go about their daily lives; greater access to housing, education, employment, leisure and transport opportunities and to participation in family and community life.
  
• Control
  This is about being involved in and in control of decisions made about your life. This is not usually doing exactly what you want, but is about having information and support to understand the different options and their implications and consequences, so people can make informed decisions about their own lives.
  
• Inclusion
  This means being able to participate in all the aspects of community – to work, learn, get about, meet people, be part of social networks and access goods and services – and to have the support to do so.

The Key Messages

Include everyone

When making sure Valuing People Now happens it is important to make the needs of the following groups are addressed

• People with more complex needs
• People from black and minority ethnic groups
• People with autistic spectrum conditions
• Offenders in custody and in the community

Personalisation

More people with learning disabilities should be able to commission their own services to live independently and have real choice about the way they live their lives.

Having a Life

To make sure people with learning disabilities have the same life opportunities as any other citizen

• Better Health
  All people with learning disabilities get the healthcare and the support they need to live healthy lives.
  
• Housing
  All people with learning disabilities and their families are able to choose where and with whom they live.
  
• Work, education and getting a life
  All people with learning disabilities and their families have a fulfilling life of their own that includes opportunities to work, study and enjoy social and leisure activities.
  
• Relationships and having a family
  People with learning disabilities should have the choice to have relationships, become parents and continue to be parents, and the support to do so.

People as Citizens

To make sure people with learning disabilities are treated as equal citizens

• Advocacy
  All people with learning disabilities can speak up and be heard about what they want from their lives – the big decisions and the everyday choices. If they need support to do this, they should be able to get it.
  
• Transport
  All people with learning disabilities will be able to use public transport safely and easily and feel confident to do so.
  
• Leisure and social activities
  All people with learning disabilities will be able to use local mainstream services such as leisure centres, sport facilities, libraries, cinemas, restaurants and shopping centres.
  
• Being safe in the community and at home
  All people with learning disabilities will be able to lead their lives in safe environments and will feel confident that their right to live safely is upheld by the criminal justice system.
  
• Access to justice and redress
  All people with learning disabilities will feel able to make a complaint or seek legal redress; they will be treated with the same dignity and respect as any other citizen.

Making it happen

To make sure Valuing People Now happens

• Leadership and delivery structures
  Leadership, delivery and partnership structures must be in place to make sure Valuing People Now happens.
  
• Partnership Boards
  All local authorities need strong and effective Partnership Boards with clear commitment from key local decision makers and the authentic involvement of people with learning disabilities and family carers.
  
• Better Commissioning
  Commissioning needs to support the right outcomes for people with learning disabilities and their families.
  
• Developing the Workforce
  The workforce across public services need to have the appropriate support and training to make sure Valuing People Now happens for all people with learning disabilities and their families.
  
• Measuring performance
  Both NHS and Local authorities will be required to measure how well they do in making sure Valuing People Now happens.

Anne Williams, National Director for Learning Disabilities says:

"My Measure of Success at the end of 3 years will be if:

• The implementation of Valuing People Now secures improvements in the lives of all people with learning disabilities
• All individuals have personalised, high-quality support and care plans
• Healthcare in communities, in hospitals and in specialist services improve
• More people live in their own homes
• More people have jobs
• More people are able to live in their locality
• The needs of people with the most complex needs are met in creative and personalised ways".

Find out about the key things happening in Kent on Valuing People Now.