Valuing People fails to halt prejudice

People with learning difficulties are still caught in a “circle of
disadvantage” despite policies introduced under the Valuing People
white paper, according to a new report published this week.

Social care charity Turning Point finds prejudice, poverty and
isolation are common factors affecting Britain’s 1.5 million people
with learning difficulties because government policies are not
being properly implemented.

Its survey of 90 service users and support staff shows that name
calling, physical assault and damage to property remain a “daily
reality” for those with learning difficulties.

Nine out of 10 people have no job and for many work is “not an
option”, leaving around 20,000 in isolation from the community, the
report says.

A spokesperson for the charity said: “Valuing People is full of
good ideas, but there is a long way to go to ensure people with
learning difficulties are fully included. As long as they continue
to face prejudice and discrimination, they will never be able to
live as part of the community.”

Hidden Lives from www.turning-point.co.uk