Direct payment users treasure their relationships with their personal assistants, but can feel uncomfortable on pay dayBy Simon HengOne of the great things about being trained as a cognitive behavioural therapist is that I can now lead a guilt-free existence, which, as I was brought up in the faith which relies on guilt for its ongoing membership, I take as a personal achievement.
Continue reading "'I feel embarrassed when I pay my personal assistants'" »
By Simon StevensAttending glitzy awards ceremonies is a pleasure but for disabled people it is difficult to feel truly includedWhen people talk about independent living, it is assumed social inclusion is included; that if a disabled person works and lives in the community, they will be considered equal members of society.
The reality is very far from this:right now we have integration rather than proper inclusion. Integration is when a disabled person must compromise their access requirements in order to be accepted. This means the disabled person must learn many tricks. I would like to offer a specific example.
Continue reading "No champers for me: physical disability, inclusion and functions" »
by Simon Stevens
A visit to the Gay Pride celebrations can inspire people with disabilities to feel comfortable about who they are
Continue reading "Wear a nappy with pride" »
by Simon HengIn the old days, adult social care was easy. People with a disability, or mental illness, or anyone over 65 who looked as if they weren't coping on their own, were rounded up into institutions where their physical needs could be met as humanely and cheaply as possible. Anyone who might be able to cope at home could be cared for in day centres.
Continue reading "What is adult social care actually for?" »
By Steve Arthington
Amid talk of choice and freedom, service users must remember they also gain more responsibility under personalised services
Continue reading "Direct payments, personalisation... who now cares for whom?" »
by Anna C Young
Getting off to a good start with your client means listening to their fears, as well as communicating honestly and simply
Continue reading "'What can I do for you'" »
by Simon Stevens
Giving disabled people more control and choice is great, but what happens when we want something dangerous or illegal?
Continue reading "Can I be a career criminal?" »
by Simon Stevens
Neither service users nor social workers are aware of the funding available to train personal assistants to the level of paid carers
Continue reading "Getting the professionals ready for personalisation" »
by Simon Heng
Despite reforms, disabled and older people are still struggling to receive the services they need. But few people appear to care
Continue reading "Don't count your chickens over free social care" »
by Anna C Young
Patient and public forums have helped improve NHS care. Let's hope local involvement networks continue the good work
Continue reading "We made our mark on care" »
by Simon Stevens
The Putting People First agenda is a symptom of the sea change in attitudes toward disability that have taken place of late
Continue reading "Disabilities: why it's a good time to be disabled" »
by Simon Stevens
Christmas often underlines the isolation of the socially excluded. But access to the internet and Second Life might just help
Continue reading "Internet can ease the pain" »