Learning disabilities

Hampshire County Council helps people with learning disabilities to be as independent as possible and play a part in their local community. We do this in partnership with local health agencies, housing authorities, independent providers and voluntary organisations.

Valuing People Now report On Monday 19th January 2009, the Department of Health launched Valuing People Now, which is a three year government strategy, which takes into accont the responses to their consultation which ended in March 2008. Ordinary People Leading Ordinary Lives The council would like to thank everyone for their involvement with the Ordinary People Leading Ordinary Lives consultation. The final copy of our plan following your help and support was delayed, as it needed to coincide with the government's Valuing People Now paper. Now that this has been published, the final Ordinary People Leading Ordinary Lives plan will be published in the near future.

Assessment - what help do you need?

Everyone is entitled to an assessment of their needs to see if the Department can help.

When you contact the Adult Services Department, someone will ask about the problems you are having. If the outcome of this initial discussion is that you would benefit from further assessment, we will make you an appointment to meet a Care Manager - often in your own home - for a detailed 'assessment' of what help you need. This means that you will be able to talk in detail about the problems you are having and the Care Manager will try to find the best way of helping to reduce the risks that are preventing you living safely and independently at home. Even if you do not need further support from Adult Services, we will offer you information and advice about ways you can find the help you want.

Whenever possible Adult Services will give you choices about the help and services they can give you. When it has been agreed what kind of help you need, and how it will be provided, you will get a written 'care plan'. This plan is regularly reviewed with you.

You are entitled to have an assessment of your needs even if you may be paying for your care yourself, and if you would like support to make arrangements for your care we will also help you with this.

Registering as disabled

Registering as disabled may entitle you to some concessions and benefits, for example, reduced travel costs on buses and trains.

Additional information

• Integrated Learning Disability Services - The new integrated services will be in five new areas each managed by a Locality Service Manager
• Valuing People in Hampshire - with information about Valuing People and Valuing People Now
• Ordinary People Leading Ordinary Lives consultation - this counsultation was based on Valuing People Now, to make these plans happen for people with a learning disability in Hampshire.
• Learning Disability Development Fund - The Government has given this fund to local authorities ensure that the priorities in Valuing People Now happen.
• EMLD - Hampshire Ethnic Minority learning disabilities project -  set up to make the lives of ethnic minority people, both adults and children with learning disabilities, their families and carers better.
• Advocacy - help with representing your views
• Employment and training
• For information on eye care and vision see the Look Up website