The X factor Why people with a learning disability should vote - Forced marriages
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The learning disability magazine published by Mencap March/April 2010 The X factor Why people with a learning disability should vote Forced marriages Valuing People Now: One year in Autism assistance dogs
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Contents
Contents 16-19
4 Comment
5-12 News
13 Campaigns
watch: Hate crime
24-25
14-15 Forced into
marriage
People with a learning
disability are particularly
vulnerable
26-27
16-19 Valuing People
Now: One year in 29
Reviewing the progress
of Valuing People Now
20-23 The X factor 20-23
Why it’s more important
than ever for people
with a learning disability
to use their vote
24-25 Having faith in
inclusion
The Judith Trust is
championing inclusion
in Judaism 38
34
26-27 Slice of life
sing trained dogs to
U
support families of 32
children with autism
28-29 Resources
30-31 Your Viewpoint
32-33 Arts and leisure
34-36 Mencap news
37 Dates for your diary 38
38 Talkback
Gavin Harding on being
a campaigner
Viewpoint March/April 2010 3
Comment
Viewpoint is also The general election is getting ever-closer
available on CD. You and the political parties are gearing up for
can listen to stories with the battle to run the next government.
this symbol next to it on At the last general election, just 16% of
the CD. If you would like to people with a learning disability who were
receive the CD, call 020 eligible to vote did so, compared to 61% of
7696 5509 to ask for your the population as a whole. This time, with
free copy the future of social care a crucial issue for
whichever party wins, it’s never been more
The learning disability magazine important for people with a learning
published by Mencap disability to use their right to vote.
On pages 20-23 you can find out more about the campaigns
March/April 2010
to make politics accessible and the resources that are available
Issue number 115
to support people with a learning disability to get involved.
Editor: Also this issue, it’s been a year since Valuing People Now was
Claire McMinn 020 7696 5553 published. Are the government’s learning disability plans making
a difference? Turn to pages 16-19 for our analysis.
Assistant editors:
And on page 13, our new ‘Campaigns watch’ tackles hate
Edward Fawcett 020 7696 5509
crime. ‘Campaigns watch’ is one of the changes you might notice
Ewen Cook 020 7696 5534
in this issue of Viewpoint. We’ve made a few adjustments
For editorial, advertising and following our reader survey – turn to page 30 to find out more.
subscription enquiries:
Tel 020 7696 5509
Email viewpoint@mencap.org.uk
www.mencap.org.uk/viewpoint Claire McMinn
Write to Viewpoint, Mencap, 123 Editor
Golden Lane, London EC1Y 0RT
Viewpoint is published six times a
year. To subscribe turn to page 39.
The views and opinions expressed
in Viewpoint do not necessarily
represent those of Mencap.
Charity number 222377 (England,
Northern Ireland and Wales);
SCO41079 (Scotland)
ISSN 1358-6076 16-19
Printed by Aldridge Print Group.
The paper is 100% recycled and
was manufactured using
environmentally friendly
processes. More than 95% of
waste products from the printing
process were recycled.
On the cover:
Josie Scantlebury photographed
by Layton Thompson
20-23
4 Viewpoint March/April 2010
News
Jail for marriage scam brother
Man convicted for plot to sell his disabled sister into marriage
Michael Wright, 22, from Chinese immigrant Ligang to exploit a member of his
Swindon has been jailed for Qiao, 29, whose visa was own family for his own
four years for trying to force his about to run out. financial gain,” said detective
sister into a sham marriage. Wright had hoped to inspector Andy Cummins of
In August last year, Wright receive £8,000 for his part in the UK Border Agency. “His
accompanied his sister, who the plot. Instead, he and Qiao motive was purely greed.”
has a learning disability, to were arrested after a registrar
Reading Register Office. He had became suspicious. See News focus on pages
arranged for her to marry “Michael Wright attempted 14-15
Autism strategy launched
New plans to help adults with autism to live independently
An autism strategy, Fulfilling
and rewarding lives, was
published on 3 March by the
Department of Health. The
strategy aims to help adults
with autism in England to find
work and lead independent
lives by making changes to
public services.
Currently, 15% of people Hope said: “This strategy will potential to make a direct
with autism have a job, and start a fundamental change in impact on the lives of people
49% live at home with their public services.” with a learning disability who
parents. Although autism is The strategy is backed by also have autism. However, as
not a learning disability, a the Autism Act 2009, which learnt through the learning
2005 National Audit Office requires local authorities to disability strategies Valuing
report found that around half collect and share information People and Valuing People Now,
of people with autism also about people with autism and implementing such plans can
have a learning disability. aims to improve local planning prove difficult. There needs to
The strategy includes and delivery of services. be a real commitment to see
plans for a national autism Esther Foreman, Mencap’s this through.”
programme board to lead the campaigns manager, said:
changes, guidance on making “Mencap welcomes the autism Go to www.dh.gov.uk/en/
public services accessible, and strategy, which has the dh_113369
autism awareness training for
Jobcentre Plus staff. It also
sets out a programme to
Key point
develop training for health and
social care staff – supported by
• There are new government plans to
a £500,000 investment. improve services for people with autism.
Care services minister Phil
Viewpoint March/April 2010 5
News
Snap! gets active
A new theme for Mencap’s photo
and film competition
Snap!, Mencap’s photo and film competition, is
this year focusing on sport and getting active.
“The competition showcases the artistic
talents of people with a learning disability
through photography, film and inspiring stories,”
explains Gemma Kelly, Snap! project manager.
“This year, following the end of the Paralympic
ban, we are asking people to comment on sport
Go to www.mencap.org.uk/snap from 22
or other ways to get active.”
March. To request a postal application form
People with a learning disability had been
please call Gemma Kelly on 020 7696 5524
banned from the Paralympics since 2000. But
the ban was lifted in November 2009.
Snap! winners will receive a digital camera Key points
or photography vouchers, thanks to FujiFilm UK
Ltd and the Sorrell Foundation. They will also be • Snap! is Mencap’s photo and
invited to an awards ceremony in London.
The closing date of the competition is 21
film competition.
June 2010 and the winners will be announced
in August. The winning entries will be shown at
• You can send in photos or films
an exhibition at a London gallery and then go about sport and getting active.
on tour across the UK.
Calls for single act for adult social care
Law Commission says current legislation is confusing and expensive
Laws covering adult social care in England and assess individuals’ needs and a duty for all
Wales need simplifying, according to a councils to provide services to those who are
consultation paper from the Law Commission. eligible. The Law Commission is also calling for
The Law Commission, which advises the a single duty on councils to assess the needs of
government on law reform, is suggesting a carers and a duty to investigate when abuse or
single law to replace the current legal neglect is suspected.
framework. It says that this would make the Frances Patterson QC is the law commissioner
adult social care system easier to understand leading the project. She said: “It is unacceptable
and save public money. that people should have to look at more than
Currently, the laws that govern eligibility for 38 Acts of Parliament, plus thousands of pages
services, the assessment of individuals’ needs of guidance, to work out what the system is for
and the way services are provided are spread delivering these essential services.”
across 38 different Acts. Many services are still The Law Commission’s consultation closes
delivered under an Act dating from 1948. on 1 July.
The proposals include a clear set of principles
to guide social care decisions, a single duty to Go to www.lawcom.gov.uk/1331.htm
6 Viewpoint March/April 2010
News
Controversy over social care
Personal Care at Home Bill widely criticised as learning disability
community awaits the social care white paper
The government’s plan to provide free home England, as outlined in last year’s green paper
care for people with the highest needs in Shaping the Future of Care Together.
England and Wales has attracted criticism This wider social care agenda has also been
across parliament, local government and the the subject of fierce debate recently, with the
social care sector. Conservatives accusing Labour of planning a
The Personal Care at Home Bill outlines plans compulsory insurance scheme for social care
to guarantee free personal care for around funded by a £20,000 ‘death tax’.
280,000 people and provide support for another While it is unclear whether the Personal Care
130,000 to regain their independence. The row at Home Bill will become law before the general
over the Bill has dominated headlines recently election, health secretary Andy Burnham said in
and magnified the debate over plans for the January that the government does intend
wider reform of adult social care in England. to produce its white paper following on from
The policy, which will mostly benefit older Shaping the Future of Care Together before then.
people, will cost around £670 million a year – Mencap and other learning disability
with councils expected to provide £250 million organisations had expressed concerns that
through efficiency savings. However, the plan the green paper does not address the future
has been criticised in the House of Lords as funding crisis for services for people with
‘seriously flawed’ and the Association of a learning disability.
Directors of Adult Social Services suggested However, at a major care and support
the cost to local authorities would be closer conference in February it was agreed that the
to £500 million. vision for the National Care Service should give
David Congdon, Mencap’s head of ‘more emphasis to the importance of including
campaigns and policy, said: “We have very adults of working age’.
serious concerns that the proposed efficiency
savings are unrealistic and could ultimately
result in cuts to other services for people with Key point
a learning disability.”
• The government says it will
Social care white paper imminent
The Personal Care at Home Bill is intended by
publish new plans for social
the government to be the first step towards care soon.
establishing a new National Care Service in
Viewpoint March/April 2010 7
News
The right to vote
Events in Westminster, Northern Ireland and Wales address
the coming election
A recent meeting at the House of Commons
addressed ways to make elections accessible
for disabled people.
The meeting on 9 March brought together
the All Party Parliamentary Groups for learning
disability, autism, eye care and visual
impairments, and disability. It included
speeches from Jenny Watson, chair of the
Electoral Commission, and John Bercow,
Speaker of the Commons. He said: “Each and
every disabled person who has the right to vote
should exercise that right.”
So far over 130 MPs have signed the Early
Day Motion on accessible politics, put forward
by Mencap’s Get my vote campaign.
ommitment to disabled children
C
Meanwhile, Mencap in Northern Ireland
The Every Disabled Child Matters campaign
hosted an event at Stormont on voting rights
is asking all political candidates to make a
(pictured right). And in Wales, Mencap’s Partners
commitment to disabled children and
in Politics team is planning a series of hustings
their families.
(political campaigning events).
It wants candidates to sign up to its
Constituency Pledge, with five commitments,
For more information about the hustings
including regular meetings with disabled
in Wales please call 0808 8000 1111
children and families in their area. The pledge
is backed by 40 disability organisations.
For more on voting rights and resources turn to
Go to www.edcm.org.uk
pages 20-23
More training for special education
Support for trainee teachers working with severely disabled children
This March, schools minister Ed six-month training course aims students, but has indicated
Balls announced new to encourage more trainee that it will only provide 95% of
measures to support trainee teachers to work with children funding this year, and 69% the
teachers who want to work with profound disabilities. following year.
with severely disabled children. Meanwhile, the Welsh Liz Neal, director of Mencap
A partnership with Teach Assembly Government has Cymru, said: “People are
First will give trainee teachers indicated that there may be struggling to prepare for work
first-hand experience of cuts for post-16 students in through that period. We are
working with disabled children special schools in Wales. very concerned to hear that
in special schools. And a new It used to fully fund such there may be cuts in funding.”
8 Viewpoint March/April 2010
News
Pair jailed for murder of Promotion of
personal budgets
vulnerable man ‘inadequate’
Andrew Gardner’s killers jailed as Councils failing to offer
information to disabled
government promises new law to protect people
vulnerable adults
Local authorities are failing
Two people who tortured and to provide vital information
murdered a man with a on personal budgets for
learning disability were jailed disabled people, according to
for life on 22 January. new research.
A jury at Teesside Crown According to the delivery
Court heard that Andrew plan for Putting People First,
Gardner, 35, was starved, all English councils should be
beaten and tortured for several offering personal budgets by
weeks by his partner Clare adults who are abused have April this year and 30% of
Nicholls, 28, along with her quick and easy access to the people eligible for social care
brother and boyfriend. Before people who can help them best. support should have one by
his death in March 2008 he Esther Foreman, Mencap’s April 2011.
had suffered more than campaigns and policy manager, But when a mystery
150 wounds. welcomed the government’s shopper for disability charity
The trial ended shortly after commitment to new Livability contacted 103 local
a government announcement safeguarding laws, but said authorities they found that
that new legislation will be urgent action is needed. almost half (45%) of local
introduced to strengthen “We are appalled and authority websites had no
protection for vulnerable adults. saddened to see that, yet information at all on
again, a vulnerable adult with personal budgets. Almost
Safeguarding Adults Boards a learning disability has been half of telephone enquiries
Care services minister Phil Hope forced to live in misery, and were misdirected.
said on 19 January that it will ultimately had his life taken by Mary Bishop, chief
be a legal requirement for his tormentors. executive of Livability, said:
every local area in England to “This new tragedy calls to “Personal budgets have the
have a Safeguarding Adults mind the recent deaths of potential to transform the
Board, with representatives Steven Hoskin and Brent lives of disabled people by
from social services, police, Martin, also victims of horrific giving them choice and
the NHS and all other groups abuse. The government must control and yet awareness
involved in protecting ensure that proposed of them is woefully
vulnerable adults. The boards legislation becomes a reality to inadequate.”
must ensure that vulnerable stop this happening again.” The City of London and
Portsmouth City Council were
the only councils to score ten
Key point out of ten for the information
they provided.
• A man with a learning disability was killed
Go to www.livability.
by his partner. org.uk
Viewpoint March/April 2010 9
News
Isle of Wight cuts trigger protests
Demonstrations against plans to cut learning disability services
There were angry protests on the Supporting People budget co-ordinated the protests, said:
the Isle of Wight this February to help people transfer to “What they definitely should
when it became clear that new services. have done is to have consulted
services for people with a Despite good practice with people with a learning
learning disability could be cut. guidance issued in the disability and the people it’s
The protests centred government’s Valuing People going to affect.”
around the council’s budget Now strategy, the local This March, the BBC
plan for the next three years. learning disability partnership published findings from a
This includes about £4 million board only found out about the questionnaire sent to English
of cuts to social care services, planned cuts when members councils. Of the 93 that
including the closure of a day saw a questionnaire on the responded, all but two
centre and the reduction of council website. expected cuts of 10-15% over
respite care services. Protests were held outside the next three to five years. Of
Councillors have now the council offices, with around the 60 that speculated where
confirmed that the cuts will go 140 people with a learning cuts might take place, half
ahead for 2010-2011, although disability, parents and carers admitted that social services
they offered £750,000 from turning out. John Phillips, who are particularly vulnerable.
Inclusive first aid training
Hundreds of people with a learning disability have been given
life-saving training by the British Red Cross
The IFA project began in for injuries, made sure she was
September 2006 and provided breathing and put her in the
training to over 5,500 disabled recovery position. First aid
people before it ended in trainer Martin Frizzell said:
December 2009. Training took “We’re proud to have trained
place at sites across the UK. David and his actions prove
David Morton (pictured), that everyone can be a
who has a learning disability, potential life-saver.”
put his training to good use. Although the funding for
While volunteering in Northern IFA has now ended, the British
Ireland, he came across an Red Cross aims to continue
elderly woman who had first aid training for people with
suffered a seizure. He checked a learning disability.
Around 1,500 people with a
learning disability have
Key point
received first aid training from
the British Red Cross as part
• Lots of people with a learning disability
of the three-year Inclusive First have been given first aid training.
Aid (IFA) project.
10 Viewpoint March/April 2010News
Basildon Hospital officials plead guilty
NHS bosses admit safety failures that led to death of Kyle Flack
Officials from Basildon University Hospital in
Essex have pleaded guilty over failures that led
to the death of 20-year-old Kyle Flack, who had
a learning disability.
Kyle, 20, died from asphyxiation in October
2006 after his head became stuck between the
bars of his hospital bed. The jury at an earlier
inquest concluded that his death was
contributed to by neglect.
The Health and Safety Executive had
prosecuted Basildon University Hospital for eview of care of people with a learning
R
failing to adhere to health and safety laws. disability in Cornwall
Hospital officials entered their guilty plea at Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust has been asked
Basildon magistrates’ court on 26 February and to examine its care of patients with a learning
sentencing is due in March. disability after a man with Down’s syndrome
Mark Goldring, Mencap’s chief executive, has died three months after being admitted to
called for urgent changes to ensure that people hospital with a fractured ankle.
with a learning disability receive equal access William Peter Menear from St Austell died in
to healthcare. 2009, after deep vein thrombosis, caused by
“Parts of the NHS are trying hard but we the ankle fracture, led to a blood clot. He had
want to see all commit to ensure people with refused treatment by injection due to his fear
a learning disability receive the best possible of needles.
healthcare. We want the sentence to send a The coroner, Mr Cox, said: “There could
very powerful and clear message to all health have been a little better joined-up thinking
professionals that indifference to people with a between agencies involved in the care of
learning disability must stop now.” Mr Menear.”
Learning Disability Week 2010
Health campaigns packs available soon
Learning Disability Week is this year focusing on trusts and hospitals to sign up to the Getting it
the Getting it right campaign. right charter, to show their support for change
Mencap’s Death by indifference report in the NHS. Members of the public will also be
revealed that failings in the NHS led to people encouraged to sign up to the campaign and
with a learning disability dying unnecessarily. take part in events.
Getting it right is the next part of this campaign Getting it right campaign packs will be
and has been developed with many of the Royal available from the end of April, including tools
Colleges, including the Royal College of like posters and petitions.
Medicine, the Royal College of General
Practitioners and the Royal College of Nursing. To sign up to receive a pack go to
During Learning Disability Week (Monday 21 www.mencap.org.uk/ldw or call Mencap’s
to Sunday 27 June) Mencap will ask health campaigns team on 020 7696 5613
Viewpoint March/April 2010 11News
News in brief End the ‘r-word’
Unpaid family carers who
care for someone for more
Channel 4 in ‘retard’ controversy as
than 20 hours per week will worldwide awareness campaign grows
soon be able to build up a
full basic state pension. A A movement to end the use of the term ‘retard’ took a step
new Carers Credit is being forward on 3 March, with an awareness day for the campaign
introduced on 6 April 2010. Spread the Word to End the Word.
Go to www.direct.gov.uk/ Created by students in the USA and supported by the Special
pensions Olympics and Best Buddies International, the campaign is asking
people to pledge their support to eliminate the ‘r-word’, and has
Disabilities minister achieved over 100,000 pledges.
Jonathan Shaw has Over 200 organisations are backing the Spread the Word to
announced that from April End the Word campaign. “Most people don’t think of this word as
this year, 2,000 people with the language of hate, but that’s exactly what it feels like to
a learning disability will be millions of people with intellectual disabilities, their families and
guaranteed places on the friends,” said Scrubs actor John C McGinley, an ambassador for
Access to Work programme the campaign.
to help them stay in work. The issue hit the headlines in the UK in February when
Go to www.direct.gov.uk/ Channel 4 received complaints after celebrities Vinnie Jones
disability and Davina McCall used the term live on E4’s Celebrity Big
Brother’s Big Mouth.
The Court of Appeal has Ofcom said that, in this case, the use of the term was
upheld a High Court ruling ‘justified by the context’. But a Mencap poll found that 61%
that Cornwall Council had of Channel 4 viewers find the word ‘retard’ offensive.
unlawfully asked a man with
a learning disability to pay Go to www.r-word.org
for his adult care services.
The decision could lead to
refunds for around 200
Key point
people in Cornwall.
• A campaign is working to stop people using
The first Changing Places the word retard.
toilet in an airport opened
recently at George Best
Belfast City Airport, in
Northern Ireland. Go to Sporting champions
www.changing-places.org
Special Olympics Great Britain
(SOGB) held its 2009 Volunteer
A third of parents with
of the Year awards at the House
disabled children don’t get
of Commons in February. The
the support they need for
awards recognised the 2,600
their children’s emotional or
volunteers who support the
mental health problems,
SOGB’s programme of sports
according to a survey by
opportunities for people with
charity YoungMinds. Go to
a learning disability.
www.youngminds.org.uk
12 Viewpoint March/April 2010Parliamentary watch
Campaigns watch
By Richard Lawrence, spokesperson and research assistant, Mencap
Speaking up about hate crime
In this new Viewpoint feature we ask a campaigner to give their take
on a key issue facing the learning disability community. Here,
Richard Lawrence shares his thoughts on hate crime
I don’t think enough is being – don’t be ashamed, feel [Fiona Pilkington killed herself
done to tackle disability hate confident to say what and her disabled daughter
crimes, because the police has happened. after years of harassment by
don’t understand people with It’s important to tackle local youths.] People were
a learning disability. They need hate crimes to stop bad things
more training to understand happening and not become a “It can make you feel
what it’s really like. victim. Hate crime can have a helpless, ashamed,
About ten years ago I was big effect on victims. It can distraught”
attacked by a gang of boys. I make you feel helpless,
feel they attacked me because ashamed, distraught, paranoid. saying it was dealt with poorly.
they were racist and because Some recent events have The aim of the day was to
of my learning disability. I saw made me more positive about work out what we could do to
a police officer and he just told the police. In January I went to help people with a disability
me to stop messing around. I visit a police station in feel safer and be safer.
lost my respect for the police Bedfordshire with colleagues The Crown Prosecution
then. Sometimes even now at Mencap. We talked about Service says that in 2008-2009,
when I go out with my hate crimes and people with a 299 people were found guilty
girlfriend there’s trouble. learning disability. I felt the of hate crime. The year before
I don’t think people with a police understood what we just 141 were found guilty. I
learning disability report hate were saying and how it’s think this shows that disability
crime enough. They think the difficult for people with a hate crime is being taken more
police won’t believe them or learning disability. seriously. But there’s still a lot
they might be discriminated Then in February I went to of work to do around stopping
against. Some people with a hate crime action planning hate crimes against people
more profound learning day. People from the Met with a learning disability.
disabilities would not be able police, the Crown Prosecution
to explain what has happened. Service (who take cases to Go to www.mencap.org.
My advice to anyone going court), other charities and uk/hatecrime or call the
through this is to speak to your Mencap were there. We talked Learning Disability Helpline
family or friends. Speak up about the Pilkington case. on 0808 808 1111
Key point
• Richard Lawrence thinks people with a learning disability should
report hate crime if it happens to them.
Viewpoint March/April 2010 13News focus
Forced into
Forced marriages are a growing concern in the UK. And,
reports Andrew Cole, people with a learning disability
are particularly vulnerable
A
Swindon man’s attempt to sell has not given informed consent. “And
his sister into a sham marriage of course people with profound
hit the headlines recently. disabilities are going to be most at risk
Michael Wright offered to sell his sister, because they are unable to explain
who has a learning disability, to a what’s happening,” says Rachael
Chinese immigrant, Ligang Qiao, who Clawson of the Ann Craft Trust, which
needed to be married to stay in the campaigns against abuse of people
country, as his visa was about to run with a learning disability.
out. Wright would have received £8,000 Parents may see marriage as a way
if the marriage had gone ahead, but of providing a carer for a son or
fortunately it was thwarted just in time. daughter with a learning disability they
Sadly, recent figures on forced feel unable to cope with. Mandy
marriages in the UK show that this was Sanghera, an expert in the field and a
not an exceptional case. In 2008 the former trustee of Voice UK, explains:
government’s Forced Marriage Unit “If you don’t have a significant learning
dealt with 420 cases of forced disability you will not meet the local
marriage, more than double the figure authority [eligibility] criteria so there’s
for two years before. no way you’re going to get a service.
A spokesman for the unit said it Families think ‘we can’t continue to do
encounters a number of cases each this caring role’ and that’s when they
year where people with disabilities were start considering a spouse to take on
compelled to marry. “Accurate that role.”
statistics for forced marriage are very As the Swindon court case
difficult to compile, given its often- demonstrates, forced marriages can
clandestine nature, but the incidence take place in any culture. But most
among people with disabilities has reported cases in the UK involve
been the subject of increasing concern families from south Asian communities.
over recent years.” Significantly, according to a 2001 report
from the Department of Health, the
Informed consent prevalence of learning disability in these
So why are people with a learning communities is up to three times higher
disability particularly at risk? Cases like than the average.
that of Michael Wright’s sister represent In addition, in cultures that put a
forced marriages because the individual high premium on marriage the pressure
14 Viewpoint March/April 2010News focus
marriage
to ‘marry off’ someone with a learning And given that the trigger for a forced
disability can seem irresistible. Mandy marriage may be parents’ inability to
Sanghera estimates that as many as continue caring for their son or
10% of adults with a learning disability daughter, agencies must make every
from black and minority ethnic effort to inform families about what
communities may have been through services are available. “There is a need
a forced marriage. for more culturally appropriate services
The consequences can be and for services to be advertised in a
horrendous. Individuals with a learning better way,” she says.
disability can easily become the victims Some of the warning signs to look
of sexual assault and violence, or out for, according to the Forced
abandoned. And such a union can Marriage Unit’s guidelines, are young
amount to a double forced marriage if people being taken out of school or
the spouse is not aware that they are college for an extended period, reports
expected to become a carer. of domestic abuse, siblings going
missing and even attempted suicide.
Tackling the problem If there are serious concerns, agencies
The establishment of the Forced should contact the Forced Marriage
Marriage Unit in 2005 and the Forced Unit, social services or even the police.
Marriage (Civil Protection) Act in 2007 “Professionals have got to be
(allowing courts to make orders to prepared to challenge,” says Mandy
protect victims) demonstrates a Sanghera. “There’s nothing religious or
growing recognition of the problem. But cultural about forced marriage. It’s an
some are still concerned that people abuse of a person’s human rights.”
with a learning disability may not be
getting the protection they need. Go to www.anncrafttrust.org and
The Forced Marriage Unit has www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-
funded research by the Ann Craft Trust abroad/when-things-go-wrong/
and the Judith Trust on what is forced-marriage/ or call the Forced
happening in this area. The findings, Marriage Unit Helpline on 020 7008
which are expected to be out later this 0151
year, will “inform the unit’s future
work,” said a spokesman.
One of the most important
Key points
safeguards, in Rachael Clawson’s view,
is wider awareness of the problem.
• Some people with a learning disability
“One of our main concerns is that fears are forced to get married.
of being culturally insensitive
sometimes seem to override concerns • This is an abuse of their rights.
about protection.”
Viewpoint March/April 2010 15Viewpoint focus
Valuing People
Now: one year in
It’s now one year since the government published its revised plans
to improve care and rights for people with a learning disability.
Edd Fawcett reports on the progress of Valuing People Now
A
lot can happen in a year. disabilities, along with co- were introduced following the
January 19 marked one national director Scott Watkin. original Valuing People white
year since the Williams admits that not paper to co-ordinate the
government published Valuing every target for the first year planning and development of
People Now – its three-year has been ticked off, but is its objectives at local level.
strategy for learning disability nonetheless pleased with the However, they were often
services in England. progress so far. She says that criticised for being ineffective
The strategy was published one of her main priorities was and only involving people with
along with a delivery plan in a to raise awareness of Valuing a learning disability and carers
bid to update the 2001 Valuing People Now, particularly beyond in tokenistic roles.
People white paper. It reflected the social care sector. “I think Addressing these criticisms,
the government’s drive towards we’ve made a good start, Valuing People Now set in place
the personalisation of social people have said that it’s the a new structure to share
care services, setting aims right strategy.” information between local and
around housing, education, She warns that while the national level. The last year has
hate crime and family. plans are ambitious, people seen the introduction of nine
One year into the three-year shouldn’t expect dramatic regional learning disability
plan, it seems that some changes just yet. “You can’t do programme boards to oversee
progress has been made, it all in a year, and a lot of this local work. And Valuing People
although experiences differ year has been about getting Now says that each partnership
across the country. the processes and the best board must produce an annual
“We have seen real practice [in place].” report, signed off by the
commitment at the national members with a learning
level to make Valuing People Strengthening partnership disability. The first reports are
Now deliver, and there have boards due in March.
been some encouraging signs,” A key aspect of Valuing People Lee Scott has a learning
says Esther Foreman, Mencap’s Now was its plans to disability and is co-chair of his
campaigns manager. “We now strengthen learning disability local partnership board in
hope that the strategy can partnership boards. The boards Burnley, Lancashire. He says
really deliver at the local level.” usually consist of people with a that the measures have
Leading on Valuing People learning disability, carers, improved the effectiveness of
Now is Anne Williams, the service providers and local his board. “It has improved
national director for learning authority representatives. They quite a lot – people have got
16 Viewpoint March/April 2010Viewpoint focus
“It has improved quite a lot – people have got
their voices louder now”
their voices louder now.” Scott Meanwhile, the National living placements for their sons
says that by signing off the Valuing Families Forum has and daughters, and that day
annual report, he is at the worked on projects including services are being provided only
centre of the process. work to support older families to those with the highest
But some disagree. John and people with a learning support needs. “Unless there’s
Hutchison lives in Abingdon, disability who are carers. And more money coming from
Oxfordshire, with his wife and NAGLDE works to deliver the central government to allow
son, Daryl, 40, who has a views of black and minority local authorities to meet the
learning disability. While there ethnic (BME) and newly-arrived vision of Valuing People Now,
are six people with a learning communities. I don’t think it can really
disability on their local The national director is achieve anything.”
partnership board, he is encouraging the three forums One area that is going in
concerned that they may be to work together more. Oi Mei the right direction is access to
coerced into signing off Li, Mencap’s ethnicity lead and health services. Last year’s
the annual report, whatever NAGLDE member, said: publication of Valuing People
its contents. “Bringing us together is Now was pushed back by
Since 2001, the Office of promising and a commitment several months to give the
the National Director has also to strengthen these Department of Health time to
kept abreast of issues affecting relationships should ensure respond to Sir Jonathan
the learning disability agenda that BME communities are less Michael’s Healthcare for All
through three dedicated marginalised and their needs report – a direct response
forums: the National Forum taken into consideration.” to Mencap’s Death by
for People with Learning indifference campaign.
Disabilities, the National Changes at local level? Valuing People Now set out
Valuing Families Forum and John Hutchison says Valuing a programme to address each
the National Advisory Group People Now has resulted in little of Sir Jonathan Michael’s ten
for Learning Disability and change and that “stealth cuts” recommendations. As a result,
Ethnicity (NAGLDE). remain the overarching the government has
Over the last year, the problem. “One year on, I would committed to set up a public
National Forum for People with say that nothing’s changed.” health observatory on learning
Learning Disabilities has Speaking from experience, disability, issue guidance on
focused on health, advocacy, he says that elderly carers are health action plans and
community lives and transport. struggling to find supported implement health >>
Viewpoint March/April 2010 17Viewpoint focus
self-assessment frameworks She also points out that work government followed up
for health trusts and learning to close the last remaining NHS Valuing People Now with
disability partnership boards. campus accommodation by Valuing Employment Now. This
Valuing People Now also the end of 2010 is largely on cross-government strategy
promoted annual health checks track. She says that some final aims to bring the employment
for people with a learning arrangements might mean rate of people with a learning
disability. They were initially that a handful of people disability up to that of disabled
due to run from 2009-2010, remain in the campuses people overall – currently
but it was announced this beyond the deadline, but that around 48%.
January that they will be this is only to get things right The employment strategy
extended until March 2011. for the individual. proposed plans to deliver more
While the extension to 2011 job coaching, increase transport
has been welcomed, annual The right jobs to work training and pilot
health checks could be patchy, Along with housing choice and internship schemes. A resource
as GPs have a payment access to healthcare, Willams pack to promote the key
incentive to carry them out, says that employment is key to messages of the strategy was
rather than being required to promoting inclusion. She due in 2009 but has been
do so through legislation. describes employment rates for pushed back until this spring.
Anne Williams admits that people with a learning disability This January, Anne Williams
the situation has varied across as “shockingly low” at just and Scott Watkin wrote an
England. “Some areas have 7.5% in 2008-2009. She open letter to local health and
been slower to get started than blames this on low social care chiefs. They called
others, but we are now seeing expectations of people with a for public services to lead by
a steady increase in the learning disability and says that example and employ more
number of annual health changing these attitudes could people with a learning
checks and we will want a take up to a generation. disability. “Investment into
higher uptake next year.” In June last year, the supported employment is a
18 Viewpoint March/April 2010Viewpoint focus
Valuing People Now priorities for 2009-2010
• Raise awareness of Valuing People Now
A resource pack was published in March 2009.
• Improve effectiveness of learning disability
partnership boards
People with a learning disability and family carers are now
more involved with local partnership boards. A guidance
pack for partnership boards was published in November
2009 and annual reports from partnership boards are
required from March.
• Improve access to healthcare
The government has committed to setting up a public
health observatory on learning disability, and to publish
guidance on health action plans. Annual heath checks in
England have been extended until March 2011.
• Increase housing options and close NHS campuses
The closure of the last NHS campuses by the end of this
year is largely on track. Future work is likely to focus on
housing options for the 33,000 people with a learning
cost-effective alternative to
disability who live in residential care.
day services,” it noted.
Eight years on from the • Embed the personalisation agenda in council services
original Valuing People white The Department of Health has sent out guidance on person-
paper, Valuing People Now set centred planning for people with a learning disability. Work
itself some ambitious targets. is ongoing to promote personalisation in local services.
And overall the work of its first
• Increase job opportunities
year has been positive. The
Valuing Employment Now was published in June 2009. This
learning disability community
January the national director for learning disabilities called
now hopes that the
for the public sector to offer more jobs to people with a
groundwork of this past year
learning disability.
will lead to significant change,
and that the momentum of
Valuing People Now, along with
its funding, isn’t lost.
Key points
Go to www.
valuingpeople.gov.uk
• The government made plans for learning
Mencap has produced disability services a year ago.
factsheets on the key topics
set out in Valuing People Now. • Lots of things set out in the plans have
Go to www.mencap.org.uk/
valuingpeoplenow
happened.
Look out for regular updates
• But some of the plans are taking longer
on Valuing People Now in to happen.
future editions of Viewpoint
Viewpoint March/April 2010 192
Feature
3
4
running a three-year project funded by the
The 2010 general election will take Electoral Commission. Every Vote Counts is
place in a matter of months. Ewen aiming for a 40% turnout for people with a
learning disability in the forthcoming election.
Cook explains why it’s never been Together, Mencap and United Response have
more important for people with a put forward an Early Day Motion (EDM), a
parliamentary tool to help ensure that MPs and
learning disability to use their political parties get the accessibility message.
vote, and their voice “So far, over 130 MPs have signed up to support
the EDM,” says Peter Hand, Mencap’s senior
U
K general elections give people with a parliamentary officer. However, the task facing
learning disability, their families and learning disability charities is a daunting one.
carers a chance to help choose who “Even parliament’s own education and outreach
should govern society. Yet back in May 2005, unit has only recently committed to producing
when the last election took place, just 16% of four easy-read guides in time for the election,”
people with a learning disability who were says Peter. “And there aren’t any fully accessible
eligible to vote actually did so – compared with Changing Places toilets in the parliamentary
61% of the general population. buildings at Westminster.” The problem, it
This disparity could have been avoided. seems, stretches right to the very heart
Recent research by Mencap and United of government.
Response has shown that many people with a However, this is all the more reason to be
learning disability were excluded from the ambitious. “People with learning disabilities are
democratic process for specific reasons. A lack so often underestimated,” says Su Sayer, chief
of accessible material, complex language, and a executive of United Response. “Just 20 years
low awareness of their legal right to vote meant ago, it was seen as nearly impossible that they
that at least half a million people with a could live independently, let alone get a job or
learning disability failed to have their say. play a full role in their communities. And yet
As Viewpoint went to press the election date many now do all three. We have to be equally
hadn’t been announced, but it was expected in ambitious about voting – beginning with the
May. And this time the learning disability target of a 40% turnout.”
community is determined to make its voice
heard. In November 2009, Mencap launched Getting involved
Get my vote, a campaign calling on the political There are now more resources than ever to
parties to produce easy-read versions of their support people with a learning disability and
manifestos and prospective MPs to make their their families and carers to get involved in the
campaigns as accessible as possible. election (see box opposite). And the stakes are
The campaign reinforces the work of high – the 2010 general election is set to be one
disability charity United Response, which is of the most pivotal of recent times for the
20 Viewpoint March/April 2010Feature
learning disability community. Budgets are likely Crucially, by participating in the democratic
to be cut whichever party wins – which means process, people with a learning disability are not
tough times lie ahead for all those who need just using their vote but, more importantly, their
care and support. voice. “More people should vote, of course, but
“It is vitally important that the much needed they should also meet with their MPs to explain
reform of our social care system – particularly what they want as constituents,” concludes Su
for disabled people of a working age – does not Sayer. “People should get involved on a local
get lost in the business of the new parliament,” level – talk to their councillors or stand as
says Peter Hand. “It’s our job to make that clear councillors. Only when people with a learning
to MPs. We must use the general election disability are fully involved in the democratic
to make our views known, as it will be a process will they have their rightful say in this
springboard to continue lobbying in the future.” country’s future.”
Use your voice: get registered, get voting!
Get my vote About my vote
Go to www.mencap.org.uk/ The official website on voting
getmyvote to download from the Electoral Commission
Mencap’s easy-read guide to is at www.aboutmyvote.co.uk
voting and to ask your MP to It is not easy read, but provides
sign the Early Day Motion a comprehensive guide to
calling for political parties to registering to vote, postal
make their election material voting, polling stations, how to
accessible. Mencap is also choose who to vote for, and
distributing pledge cards for why you should vote.
people to send to their MP –
copies are included with this
Every Vote Counts
issue of Viewpoint.
United Response’s www.
everyvotecounts.org.uk is an
Promote the Vote
easy-read site with stories,
Before you can vote you must
videos and resources. It
be registered. The website
contains a wealth of
www.promotethevote.co.uk
information on how
was designed by people with a
democracy, politics,
learning disability and Easy
elections and voting work.
Read Online, and has step-by-
step guides on how to vote.
They Work for You
Find out the name of your MP
Polls Apart
and how to contact them at
Polls Apart is Scope’s campaign
www.theyworkforyou.com
to improve the accessibility of
polling stations. In 2005, Scope
surveyed over 2,000 polling Be an MP!
stations and found that 68% of Try being an MP for a week in
them could be inaccessible to this game from parliament’s
a disabled person. Go to education service. Go to
www.pollsapart.org.uk www.snipurl.com/ueczj
Viewpoint March/April 2010 21Feature
Party politics:
the main parties speak to Viewpoint
Conservative MP Mark Harper,
shadow minister for disabled people
It is vital that everyone, regardless of whether they have a disability or
not, should be encouraged to make their voice heard and use their vote.
The Conservative party will make a summary of the 2010 general
election manifesto available on request in a range of accessible formats,
including easy read. One of the key policy priorities in our manifesto will
be our bold plans to tackle Labour’s jobs crisis through a single
integrated work programme, which will offer targeted and personalised
support to help disabled people to move off benefits and into work.
Labour MP Jonathan Shaw,
minister for disabled people
Everyone’s vote has a value, the same value, and we must make sure
that everyone uses it. It is very important that we produce accessible
information for everyone. It is the responsibility of all the political parties
to make sure they do this, and I will certainly be taking this up with my
Labour party colleague Ed Miliband. Labour has got a plan to move
towards equality for disabled people, as set out in our 14-strand
‘roadmap’ to 2025. Employment for disabled adults of working age is an
extremely important issue, as is eradicating hate crime.
John Barrett MP,
disability spokesman for the Liberal Democrats
While I am confident that the Liberal Democrats have the best range of
policies for creating a fairer society for all, the most important message
I would like to spread is that the act of voting itself is the most
important thing, no matter who you give your vote to. By playing their
part in electing MPs, people with learning disabilities can then hold these
politicians, who they helped to elect, to account. The Liberal Democrats
believe that it is realistic to work towards pushing turnout up to the
45-50% range for people with a learning disability.
22 Viewpoint March/April 2010Feature
Assembly politics: the
election in Northern
Ireland and Wales
The Northern Ireland Assembly and the
National Assembly for Wales each have
devolved powers from Westminster to legislate
on a wide range of issues. However, the MPs
elected in these regions will have the same
impact in Westminster as any other.
“The electorate in Wales will elect 40 MPs in
2010 and Mencap Cymru is determined that our
elected representatives are aware of the
barriers preventing the inclusion of people with
a learning disability,” says Sian Davies, Partners
in Politics manager for Mencap Cymru.
Partners in Politics gives young people with a
learning disability the chance to have their say.
The team has produced a training session for
students focused on the general election, and
will be collaborating with All Wales People First
to arrange a series of hustings to make sure
parliamentary candidates hear the concerns of
their constituents with a learning disability.
In Northern Ireland, agreements were
recently reached on devolving responsibility for
policing and justice – adding to the wide range
of other devolved areas, such as housing and
employment. However, discussions between the
Conservative and Ulster Unionist parties about
possible joint candidates and fears over the
Top to bottom: Stormont, home of the Northern Ireland
possible collapse of the Assembly have
Assembly, the Houses of Parliament in Westminster and
increased interest in the election. the Senedd, home of the National Assembly for Wales
“It seems the general election will be used
to measure changes in support within and
between the different political parties in Key points
Northern Ireland, rather than to comment on
their success at Westminster,” says Paschal • An election to choose a new
McKeown, policy and information manager for
Mencap in Northern Ireland. “Against a
government is happening
backdrop of severe cuts in public spending and very soon.
the failure of the main political parties to reach
agreement on a raft of policy proposals, it is • It is important to register to
even more important to ensure that learning
disability services and issues remain a priority
vote and take part!
for the government in Northern Ireland.”
Viewpoint March/April 2010 23Feature
Having faith
in inclusion
The Judith Trust is championing inclusion within Judaism and other
religions. Pam Vallance, policy manager for the learning disability
charity, explains the background and goals of the campaign
religious life, we hope to
promote better inclusion of
this group in all aspects of
Jewish life.
There are some barriers to
the success of this campaign,
however. Some believe that
people with a learning
disability cannot participate
fully in Jewish spiritual life, as
they will not understand the
content of sermons or follow
the service at the synagogue.
Our stance is that anything is
possible. People with a learning
disability should be given the
chance to try and, if a task is
too difficult, to think creatively
about how to adapt it so the
goal can be achieved.
Our inclusion campaign aims film’. The film follows Lior, a
to encourage Jewish boy with Down’s syndrome, as A sense of social belonging
organisations to reconsider he prepares for his Bar Mitzvah. There are roughly 5,000 Jewish
how they welcome people with It provoked audiences to people with a learning
a learning disability and their consider how communities disability in the UK. When we
families and carers. can support those with a take into account their families
The campaign was learning disability, providing and carers, we are looking at
launched at the London Jewish inspiration for making inclusion 15,000 to 20,000 Jewish
Film Festival in November 2009 real and meaningful. people whose lives are
with the UK film premiere of By asking rabbis and their affected by learning disability.
Praying with Lior, which was congregations to ensure this In 2007, the Judith Trust
named ‘Best documentary meaningful inclusion in Jewish commissioned research into
24 Viewpoint March/April 2010Feature
what it means to be Jewish that people with a physical Inter-faith inclusion
to people with a learning disability can access the Although the campaign is
disability and their families. synagogue, and materials for centred on Judaism it has been
The research demonstrated the congregation could be informed by people from a wide
the great importance this adapted to make them easier variety of faiths. We are keen to
group places on their to read. encourage other communities to
Jewishness: it gives them a This year the central focus engage with an inclusion
sense of strength and social of the campaign is that we’re agenda in a manner appropriate
belonging and forms an asking synagogues across the to their congregation.
important part of their identity. UK to hold a ‘day of inclusion’ In November 2009, the
However, a number of those or an inclusion Shabbat. And Judith Trust, along with the
surveyed did not feel able to there are a number of ways Board of Deputies of British
participate in religious or that people from the learning Jews, organised an inter-faith
cultural activities. disability community can round table, opening a dialogue
There were several get involved: between faith leaders on this
suggestions of ways they could • become an inclusion topic. It brought together
be made to feel more included. champion within your leaders from many different
For example, parents wanted synagogue – you could faiths to discuss the importance
information on best practice organise an inclusion of including people with a
and someone at each Shabbat or Kiddush and learning disability in a holistic
synagogue to provide support. invite all congregants with and meaningful way.
They also want rabbis to be disabilities and their families While the campaign is
trained on inclusion and and carers London-based currently, we
pastoral care for parents. • synagogue members can hope to roll it out nationally and
We are trying to achieve also talk to their rabbi and encourage other faiths to take
some of these goals by synagogue committee up the challenge. By successfully
members about their engaging the Jewish
“Our stance is that inclusion policy and ask for community, we are seeking to
anything is possible” it to be reviewed if necessary provide a model for wider faith
• share your experiences of inclusion work.
engaging leaders of the Jewish inclusion (good or bad)
community. We are raising with us Call Pam Vallance on
funds for a dedicated project • contact us for additional 020 7266 1073 or go to
manager for the campaign, materials to support the www.judithtrust.org.uk
planning training for rabbis and campaign (including easy- To find out more about the film
practitioners, and producing a read leaflets) Praying with Lior go to
good practice manual. • if you are a faith or www.prayingwithlior.com
We hope that rabbis will community leader and want What does being Jewish mean
introduce the inclusion concept to make inclusion a priority, to you? is available at
through their sermons and ask please join our inclusion www.informaworld.com/
their congregations for support campaign steering group. index/903514267.pdf
in carrying out practical steps.
For example, they should make
sure they are aware of which
Key point
families belonging to their
synagogue include someone
• A charity is working with the Jewish
with a learning disability, and community to include people with a
could appoint an ‘inclusion
champion’. It is very important
learning disability.
Viewpoint March/April 2010 25You can also read
