Research Abstracts: Young people with learning disabilities making the transition to adulthood

AUTHOR: Tracy Drew
TITLE: Promoting independence through person centred planning
REFERENCE: Llais No.84, Summer 2007, pp.3-6

ABSTRACT: This article looks at the Promoting Independence project in Caerphilly, which specifically targets young people with special needs and disabilities in their transition to adulthood.

The project aims to create a sustainable, inclusive infrastructure in the county for young people with learning disabilities so that they can go on to successful adult lives. The project follows the key principles of person centred planning. The article contains a short case study.

AUTHOR: Bob Hudson
TITLE:  Making and missing connections: learning disability services and the transition from adolescence to adulthood
REFERENCE: Disability and Society, 21(1), January 2006, pp.47-60

ABSTRACT: The transition from adolescence to young adulthood for people with a learning disability is complex and has not generally been handled well in the UK.

The response from government agencies has been to introduce law, regulation, guidance and good practice guides, but these appear to have had only limited effect.

Drawing upon evidence from a national study, this article examines explanations for the limited progress in this area.

The study, in England, funded through the Service Delivery and Organisation R&D programme that focuses on “continuity of care”. Undertaken at the Nuffield Institute for Health at the University of Leeds it consisted of two components – people who have suffered a severe stroke, and young people with a learning disability making the transition to adulthood.

It identifies inter-organisational divisions as a crucial factor, and is critical of the “topdown” approach that has characterised policy responses.

It is suggested that a person-centred approach based upon Elmore’s concept of “backward mapping” provides both a tool for understanding and a model for improved implementation.

AUTHOR: Sounds Good Project
TITLE:  Growing up speaking out: a guide to advocacy for young learning disabled people in transition (14-25 years)PUBLISHER: London: Advocacy Resource Exchange, 2006. 112p

ABSTRACT: This guide is about community based advocacy for young learning disabled people in transition from school to adult services.

It is particularly important for young learning disabled people to get advocacy support as they are making choices about what they want in life.

The guide points out that: 1) projects will need to develop an effective child protection policy; 2) young volunteer advocates are needed; 3) a collaborative relationship with parents is crucial; and 4) advocacy projects need to relate to a range of different organisations, including Connexions and education.