Direct payments are community care monies paid directly to the people who require support, so that they can make their own choices about the support they receive. Successful implementation of direct payments in mental health relies on proactive managers who are clear about the task, knowledgable and committed practitioners, and informed service users and carers who are interested in exploring the options of direct payments. This report identifies action for these three groups as well as for national policy-making
“This study reviews the JRF’s Making Change Happen programme, which provided a year’s funding to four grassroots development organisations with a track record in providing support to black disabled people. The report sets out the learning that emerged from the four development projects. It includes: overviews of the four development projects; learning and common themes, with boxed illustrations from the projects; detailed case studies from two of the projects; practical pointers and suggestions for voluntary and community organisations wishing to improve support to black and minority ethnic disabled people; and some questions for funders and service providers to consider”
This report explores how provision of goods and services over the Internet affects people’s lives. While the Internet might have some capability to provide goods, services and communication at a distance, improving access in doing so, some research findings in the early days of e-commerce suggested diminished access for some groups.
This research focuses on the impact of the Internet on people with disabilities. There is the possibility that provision of information and services through the Internet might actually narrow rather than widen choices, because it might lead to the phasing out of traditional ways of providing services preferred by some disabled people
This paper presents the findings of a review of the literature on the mental health support needs of people with physical impairments. It is divided into two main parts: a review of research literature concerned with psychology, psychiatry and rehabilitation services; and a review of what is known about the mental health support needs and experiences of people with physical impairments from a social model perspective
This guide shares the experiences of employers who have successfully employed people with learning disabilities. The information and advice contained in the guide comes entirely from the experiences of 26 employers who were interviewed. It is therefore based on the practical realities of employing people with learning disabilities.
Each chapter of the guide deals with an important aspect of being an employer from recruitment through to disciplinary procedures. Examples are given to illustrate ways in which employees with learning disabilities can make a positive contribution and what action is required to make this happen
This study explores the experience of people with physical impairments who also have mental health support needs in accessing mental health and physical disability services. Drawing on these experiences, the report considers two major issues: the relationships between impairment, disabling barriers and mental health; and the fragmentation of needs. Finally, the author provides a summary of key issues which need to be addressed by those working in this area
This study reports on a critical review of current practice in services designed to provide information, advice and advocacy for older people. The information is derived from a literature search, a search of the websites of local authority and major voluntary organisations, and three focus groups involving older people living in sheltered housing and elsewhere in the community. Examples of good practice are highlighted and some recommendations are made for future action
Leisure is an important aspect of our lives allowing us to expand our horizons through the development of our interests, whilst at the same time giving us the opportunity to meet and interact with others holding similar interests.
Leisure takes on an additional significance for disabled people who generally do not experience easy access into mainstream education or work. Barriers to full and equal participation in these areas result in young disabled people having more time for leisure pursuits but experiencing greater difficulty in accessing leisure services, activities and pastimes
