THE support system for adults with learning disabilities in Scotland is not doing enough to help them live “safe, secure and fulfilling lives”, according to new research.
The analysis, by researchers at the Fraser of Allander Institute at Strathclyde University, says that despite many improvements over the past 30 years, financial pressures have restricted the support that is on offer.
It said that for those with mild to moderate support needs, support that enables them to live a fulfilling and independent life “has been taken away or charged for”.
The study found the response to the coronavirus pandemic has accelerated many of the issues that have developed over the past 10 years, and it is feared much of the support that has been lost will not return or will be “significantly scaled back”.
As of 2019, there were 23,584 adults with a learning disability known to local authorities across Scotland, however researchers said the true figure is likely much higher.
The report said a “person-centred social care system” that can flex to different situations is “crucial” if people are to be able to realise their potential and warns that if not, there is a risk that people are kept “locked out” of society.
Graeme Roy, director of the Fraser of Allander Institute, said: “Our research has shown that the last 10 years have been challenging and that there is much that could be done to ensure that the right support structures are in place so everyone in Scotland can, at the very least, realise their basic human rights and have the best chance of fulfilling their potential.”
The researchers examined evidence from a range of reports and data in the public domain and combined this with a series of in-depth interviews with health and social care professionals and people with learning disabilities and their families.
The report said that the last 30 years have seen enormous changes in how people with learning disabilities are supported in society, with a shift from people living in long stay hospitals to community-based support.
Researchers said the Covid-19 pandemic has had a detrimental impact on the support people with learning disabilities rely on, some of which has been the result of restrictions on face to face contact.
They said support needs to recover to pre-pandemic levels if people are to recover from the “harms created over the past year”.
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