New Charter for Learning Disability

People with learning difficulties are hoping to be given more control over how money is used to support them.

A new charter was presented to MPs on 26th June by the Dimensions charity.  The charter aims to let people live, work and participate in the community in the way they would choose, free from barriers, bureaucracy and bullying.  It is hoped it will help to give people with learning disabilities more control over their lives, including a greater say in where and who they live with.

Cultural Change

The charter is supported by disability charity Dimensions, which supports people with learning disabilities and people with autism.  The charity’s Chief Executive, Steve Scown, commented: “This isn’t just about money – it’s about the need for a widespread change in culture and attitudes to care.  There’s no point giving someone a personal budget if they don’t have real choice about their life and they don’t receive a personal service.

“Every day we see the real difference a personal approach can make to people’s lives.”

The charter can be viewed at www.dimensions-uk.org/charter .  Dimensions hopes members of the public will also encourage their local MP to support the campaign.