I am employed by a national charity that provides accommodation and support for adults with learning disabilities. I am a support/key worker for adults with a variety of learning difficulties who live in supported living accommodation. I have recently supported a number of them to obtain E.S.A. and I am horrified at the 'one size fits all' procedure that masquerades as an assessment as to suitability to receive E.S.A.
The 'assessment' consisted of a 'assessor' reading a series of pre-prepared questions from a computer programme and recording the answers given. The questions were identical for each service user and paid no regard to their individual needs. They were simplistic and effectively required either a yes or no answer. During the process I endeavoured to qualify the answers given with respect to the abilities and issues of each service user. Prior to the assessment I completed, on behalf of each service user, a detailed self assessment proforma based on my knowledge of their abilities as their support worker.
The 'assessors' appeared to have little knowledge of the issues and difficulties faced by those with learning disabilities. It was a mechanistic process that lasted for approximately 30 minutes. I doubt very much that a Psychologist with expertise in the field could make a meaningful assessment of someone they had not met before and of whom they had no knowledge of their history or life experiences in such a short time.
I recently support someone with severe Aspergers Syndrome at one of these 'assessment'. He lives in supported living accommodation and requires the daily input of a support worker in order to carry out his basic daily living skills. I have been his key worker for over 6 years and my input on his self assessment proforma was detailed and accurate. My comments at the 'assessment' and the information given on the pro-forma appears to have been ignored by the decision maker and his application for E.S.A was refused.
Considering the severity of his Aspergers, I am at a loss to how this decision could have been made. The only conclusion that I can come to is that cost, expediency and quotas came into play and he was the unwitting victim of the law of unintended circumstances. We are currently in the process of appeal and have been told that there will be a 6 to 9 month wait before tribunal.
If someone with a physical disability or illness attends one of these assessments, at least they are seen by a qualified G.P. and a full medical examination is carried out. Clearly, the government and Atol Health Services do not consider people with learning disabilities worthy of similar scrutiny.
I would welcome any input from anyone who has experienced similar experiences as I intend to raise this with our local M.P. and we are being supported by Mencap with a view to having the assessment process reviewed and made more fair.
The Citizens Advice Bureau is keeping a close eye on this ESA procedure, and is asking people to inform them of problems, like you describe.
I haven't got as far as worrying about the questions issue. I'm worried about the staffing costs of getting them to the interview and the support they will need afterwards - and how this could impact on the budget available to them. I'm hoping I have understood the scope of the reassessments incorrectly and they don't really want nearly 100 profoundly disabled, mostly non verbal individuals dragged halfway round the county for meaningless interviews.
We have already spoken with the benefits advisor at our local C.A.B in Malvern and she requested that we keep her informed of future developments.....Steve.
I agree and another issue that needs to be raised is the effect that the assessment has on the individual service user. All of those I have supported so far found the whole procedure a humiliating and belittling experience. ....Steve.