The Choice Initiative explored how people with severe, profound and multiple learning disabilities (referred to as people with high support needs) can express choices and take more control over their own lives.
What we did
The 3 year programme comprised 5 innovative projects which supported people with high support needs to express their wishes and bring about changes in their lives.
This programme of work looked at:
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daytime opportunities
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work
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leisure activities
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friendships.
It highlighted the crucial role of support staff in enabling people with high support needs to make choices. Staff in the projects established relationships of trust with participants and 'communication partnerships'. Staff in turn have required support and training.
For the people with high support needs taking part, making choices was a very positive experience. If this is to happen more widely, there needs to be a culture in services and in society of listening to people with high support needs. Furthermore, resources need to be allocated to facilitate choice.
As part of the Choice Initiative, the British Institute of Learning Disabilities produced two manuals: Pathways to Citizen Advocacy (1 & 2).
The Choice Forum is the biggest, liveliest online discussion forum on issues in the lives of people with learning disabilities in the UK.
It brings together people working with people with learning disabilities, national and local policy makers, service providers and purchasers, parents, carers and people with learning disabilities.
More information about the Choice Forum.
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