Future plans for people with disabilities

Strategy will reflect on supporting people to stay independent

A new plan to shape the way in which services are provided to people with learning or physical disabilities is to be discussed by the county council next week. 

The Whole Life Disability Strategy sets out how the authority works alongside disabled people of all ages as well as their families and carers.

One of the key aspects to emerge – and a focal point of the proposed strategy – is to empower those who need support to take more control of their own health and wellbeing.

The strategy – which was shaped following engagement with people who would benefit from the new approach - also aims to help prevent, reduce and delay the need for long-term care services and support people to lead independent and fulfilling lives.

Across the county, there are around 3,000 disabled people under the age of 65 who receive support from us. While drafting this strategy, we spoke to many of these people, their families and carers. The plan demonstrates that we’ve listened to the feedback and have taken action. Disabled people deserve to be able to access support and develop skills to meet life’s challenges. We want them to be able to live independently in the community and have choice and control over their own lives.

Person:Richard Blunt, county council cabinet member for adult social care

The document also focuses on young people, aged between 13 and 25, with special educational needs and disabilities who need additional support. This could be through accessing new and different support services to understanding opportunities available to them as they mature into adulthood. 

The strategy emphasises the early work which agencies, schools and colleges can do to help young people:

• Become more independent;
• Be active in the community;
• Develop new skills; and
• Discover services apprpriate to their needs.

As young people develop they should be more involved in decisions about their own future. 

"It's estimated there are 184 young people who will transition into adult social care services by 2021/22 so it's vital that young people have the tools at their disposal to help them make choices about leaving school or home, getting jobs or moving on to further or higher education.

Person:Councillor Ivan Ould, cabinet member for children and families

The strategy will be discussed by the county council's cabinet on Friday, 14 September. It will be shown live at www.leicestershire.gov.uk/webcast