Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Council leaders in support for disabled
North Lanarkshire is“leading the field” with support for people with disabilities, according to C- Change Scotland.
The region has been praised for its implementation of Self Directed Support ( SDS) which gives those with disabilities the chance to choose for themselves how best to spend funding.
C-Change are a charity who provide personalised support for people with disabilities across Scotland.
Under SDS, disabled people are given their own funding and can decide for themselves how best to use it.
It is intended to support, promote and protect human rights and independent living of care and support users in Scotland.
A spokesperson for C-Change said: “SDS is now the preferred method of delivering support.
“Previously, people with disabilities would have a visit from support workers, then funding would be allocated for particular areas which were decided upon on their behalf.
“SDS means that individuals are given the actual funding themselves.
“They are given a budget and they can decide themselves how best to use it.
“This could be using the money for a physical activity, assistance with things like shopping or home help and North Lanarkshire have really embraced this.”
Richie Doyle, area lead for C-Change, North Lanarkshire, added: “I have worked in this industry for 15 years and different local authorities have interpreted self directed support in different ways.
“North Lanarkshire have really embraced it.
“There is an understanding that everyone is unique and we try to be as creative as we possibly can.”
Bobby Miller, head of adult social work services with North Lanarkshire Council, explained: “We put people at the centre of any support and care planning, and aim to provide the correct level of support and services that meet the needs of the person and their family.
“The council and NHS Lanarkshire have worked in partnership to deliver social work, care and health services.
“We are pleased that C-Change recognises the work we have done, and that they feel it is making a difference to people with disabilities living in North Lanarkshire, who they support on our behalf as partners.”