Article: Valuing People, 15 years old destination reached, stalled or derailed?

Community Living Article

Valuing People, 15 years old – destination reached, stalled or derailed?
When it was launched there was cross-party support for the Valuing People White Paper (DoH, 2001) which set out a new strategy for learning disability for the 21st century to improve the lives of people with learning disabilities.

Valuing People said: “People with learning disabilities are amongst the most vulnerable and socially excluded in our society. Very few have jobs, live in their own homes or have choice over who cares for them. This needs to change: people with learning disabilities must no longer be marginalised or excluded. Valuing People sets out how the Government will provide new opportunities for children and adults with learning disabilities and their families to live full and independent lives as part of their communities.”

Using the Valuing People categories a team from Paradigm asked self advocates, advocates, families, commissioners, support providers, health/social care workers, and policy makers what has changed over the last 15 years.