'Hidden' disabled adults missing out

Published on Tuesday 16 September 2008 10:15

THOUSANDS of adults with learning disabilities have dropped off the care radar due to inequalities in local authority planning, a report by social care charity Quarriers has found.

Missed Out, Missing Out, which is published today, paints a bleak picture of the 12,000 adults with learning disabilities living at home in Scotland.

The wide-ranging report, written by community care expert Lucy Johnston, investigates local authority planning and expenditure on services for adults with learning disabilities living at home. It was launched this morning at Edinburgh's Merchant's Hall.

Quarriers chief executive, Dr Phil Robinson, said:

"Our challenge is to acknowledge the 'hidden' people in our communities who have been missed out and ensure they are no longer missing out."

The convenor of the Scottish Parliament's health and sport committee, MSP Christine Grahame, said action is needed to improve support.

She said: "I am particularly concerned at the general lack of awareness that exists about adults with learning disabilities who are living independently at home. I am also concerned at the challenges they and their families face accessing the right support.

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