News Release, 19 September 2000
The Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD) Alliance, a national body calling for better recognition of the needs of people with mild or moderate learning difficulties, will launch its manifesto for social inclusion at the Labour Party Conference in Brighton on Wednesday 27 September 2000.
The Alliance, which brings together over 100 different organisations working with people with moderate learning difficulties, is concerned that people's needs are being overlooked by policy makers.
The MLD Alliance is calling for policy-makers and service-planners across all Government departments to re-examine every area of their work in the light of the needs of people with moderate learning difficulties.
"People with moderate learning difficulties are being neglected. They often receive substandard healthcare and are 13 times as likely to be unemployed, " said Christina Schwabenland, chair, MLD Alliance. "In many respects their disabilities are hidden - but even a small amount of additional support or extra services can make a huge difference to people, enabling them to fully participate, both socially and economically, in their own communities. Not to provide the services and support that is needed makes little sense, either from a human rights perspective or from an economic standpoint."
The Alliance's specific recommendations include:
- The involvement of people with learning difficulties in service development
- Appropriate support that values the contribution of each individual and enables people with moderate learning difficulties to fulfil their potential at school, further education and in the workplace
- Awareness training on identifying and supporting people with moderate learning difficulties for education, social services, police and legal professionals for example
- Comprehensive individual plans and support for young people with moderate learning difficulties as they prepare to leave school
- More supported living accommodation available as an alternative to residential care
- Information on sex education, healthcare, medication, community activities and political processes for example provided in an accessible format
- The rights to equal health care for all people with learning difficulties
- Training on the specific health needs of people with moderate learning difficulties for all health professionals
- Better support for parents with moderate learning difficulties, both during pregnancy and ongoing parenting support
The Manifesto will be launched at 6.30pm, Metropole Hotel, Brighton with keynote speaker Margaret Hodge, parliamentary under-secretary of state for employment and equal opportunities at the DfEE. Copies can be obtained from the MLD Alliance website at www.mldalliance.com
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Note to editors
For further information and interview requests contact please contact the press office on 020 7803 1105 / 1128 or email the press office
The Foundation promotes the rights, quality of life and opportunities of people with learning disabilities and their families. We do this by working with people with learning disabilities, their families and those who support them to:
- Do research and develop projects that promote social inclusion and citizenship
- Support local communities and services to include people with learning disabilities
- Make practical improvements in services for people with learning disabilities
- Spread knowledge and information.
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