Change over services for learning disabilities and autism

A COUNCIL’S ruling cabinet has approved a programme to transform services for residents with learning disabilities and autism.

The service for learning disability and autism services run by Rotherham Council will “strengthen independence, choice and control for people with a Learning Disability and/ or Autism within Rotherham.”

The cabinet approved the report, which highlighted ways in which the provision of support must change, and that the council use grants for new services, which are expected to be completed by June 2021.

The report says that further work is needed to ensure that there is “choice and a vibrant offer” for people with a learning disability or autism in Rotherham, so they can access employment, education and leisure time during the day as an alternative to a day centre or remaining in their accommodation.

It adds: “There are a limited number of organisations providing supported living operating within the borough and currently no framework for supported living.

“This has restricted genuine choice and has led to an inconsistency in quality and pricing which needs to be addressed.”

Now the report has been approved, the council will look at how other councils provide supported living services, assess day care provisions, and produce a detailed plan about how Rotherham Council can transform the market and services for people with a Learning Disability and/ or Autism and identification of the costs, to be present to cabinet in June 2021.

The council proposes to consult people with a learning disability and their carers.