Specialist support to develop ULOs is available following the JIP’s appointment of consultant, Anthony Walters.
All councils with responsibility for adult social care must have at least one ULO in their area by 2010, as part of the government’s vision for improving the quality of life for disabled people in Britain – see story Improving choice and opportunity with ULOs.
ULOs are organisations run by individuals who use support services, including disabled people, older people, families and carers. The government sees them as integral to successful transformation of social care, by giving people more choice and control over how their support needs are met.
There are many disability organisations in the West Midlands, but few meet the full criteria for ULOs, which is modelled on existing Centres for Independent Living (CILs). The centres are grassroots organisations run by disabled people with the purpose of helping them manage their own lives and participate fully in society.
Anthony will provide targeted support for councils and organisations seeking to meet the ULO criteria detailed in the government report Improving the Life Chances of Disabled People. (insert link http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/media/cabinetoffice/strategy/assets/disability.pdf).
Organisations at a more advanced stage of change will be used to mentor others.
The DH will be giving funding to facilitate the development of ULOs. Three authorities in the region have already received money as part of a pilot programme.
The JIP and the National Centre for Independent Living (NCIL) will hold a conference on 14 January to highlight the benefits, challenges and connection between ULOs and the government's personalisation agenda - see story ULOs – What’s in it for us?
Contact Anthony Walters; telephone: 07972 704163 email:anthonygwalters@yahoo.co.uk
http://www.westmidlandsiep.gov.uk/index.php?page=585
No comments:
Post a Comment