Young people and adults with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and Autistic Spectrum Condition have produced a set of Whole of Life Standards.
These standards bring together the high expectations of both young people and adults into one comprehensive set of standards that cover: My Voice, Staying Safe, Having a Life, Buying My Own Services, My Home, Short Breaks and Personal Care.
The standards are based on the following beliefs:
- People with disabilities should have the same life chances as any other member of the community.
- We should be supported to be as independent as we are able. This does not mean doing everything for ourselves becasue no one does this; we all rely on others for support. It means we should be given support to do as much as we can for ourselves.
- We should be as equally valued in the community as any other person.
- Our abilities and gifts should be prized and celebrated.
Whole of Life Service
These standards are forming the basis of the Whole of Life Service that is being developed in Sandwell. This service will support children and adults with learning disabilities to lead independent lives as equal citizens.
Whole of Life Passport
The Young Voices Network is designing an online Whole of Life passport that a young person with a disability can use to tell professionals their story. This passport will be owned by the young person; it has sections where the youn gperson can talk about their life, what's important to them, what support they need and what support they don't need, how they like to be seen and treated by others.
We are piloting the Whole of Life Passport with a range of young people with different disabilities. Keep an eye on the website to see how the pilot is going.
Changing Our Lives