To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail how his Department encourages adults that have learning disabilities to live independently through (i) appropriate accommodation; (ii) day care and day centre facilities; and (iii) other support services.

In Northern Ireland, people with a learning disability are supported to live as independently as possible. The services and support provided depend on individual circumstances and require an assessment of individual needs. Services such as assessment and treatment, community living, respite or short breaks and day opportunities are provided by local Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts.

(i) Appropriate Accommodation

People with a learning disability have a number of options on where they choose to live including with parents, families, in their own home (with support), supported living schemes or residential facilities. HSC Trusts continue to offer support to adults with a learning disability wherever they choose to live. Access to these services requires a referral from one of the HSC Trust’s Learning Disability Multi-Disciplinary Teams who will assess the individual’s needs.

(ii)Day Care and Day Centre Facilities

The HSC Trusts provide a range of day opportunities for adults with a learning disability. These include services delivered in Day Centres and through contracts with a range of voluntary and private sector providers. Activities include Accredited Courses, such as ASDAN, arts and crafts, community based activities, health and leisure and access to statutory Further Education or Training provision. These opportunities are offered to young people leaving school, people leaving hospital and those already living in the community.

(iii)Other Support Services

Some people with a Learning Disability may not need HSC assistance but for those who do, a range of services are available. The HSC Trusts assist adults with a learning disability to have control over their own lives and the support they receive, enabling them to live healthy and active lives, thereby maximising their potential. Services are provided in a range of community and residential settings by multi-disciplinary teams which include Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Learning Disability Nurses, Social Workers, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists and Physiotherapists. Healthcare support includes Directed Enhanced Services in primary care (involving regular health checks from general practices and advice/support from health facilitators). Short breaks (respite) are also important to provide short term breaks for both adults with a learning disability and their carers. A range of short breaks are available, provided either directly by the HSC Trust or through contracts with voluntary and private providers.