Self-advocacy is key for adults with learning difficulties Friday, June 3, 2011 - 14:36

For years, NIACE has worked to provide support and resources for the educational needs of adults with learning difficulties and teachers working with them. All of this work has been underpinned by a commitment to ensuring that the voice of learners is heard and that their right to a fair educational deal is recognised.

Dr Peter Lavender, NIACE Deputy Chief Executive, said:

"Today, NIACE welcomes the call by Downing Street of a full investigation into the situation at the care home uncovered in this week's Panorama - Undercover Care: the Abuse Exposed - however, the documentary has messages for education and training providers right now. NIACE calls on every education and training provider making provision for adults with disabilities, learning difficulties or mental health problems, to consider their curriculum and to ensure that the skills of self-advocacy are not overlooked."

There are five things NIACE sees as important for education and training providers:

1. The stance taken by Rob Greig, of the National Development Team for Inclusion, in their call for better advocacy work, which can be read in this press release. In it, Greig asks for "A requirement that external advocacy (including family advocacy if actively involved) must be in place and demonstrably involved for any individual placed in a hospital setting." He also reminds us that Valuing People, the Government's strategy on learning disability, has been neglected and left to founder.

2. The need to learn from the alleged failures of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to investigate the abuse and to urge the Government to provide support for the CQC to do their job properly - this means ensuring that when ‘activities' take place they are of good quality and encourage learning - whether it's in residential care for older people or for those with disabilities.

3. The need for education and training providers making provision for learners with disabilities, to look hard at the curriculum they offer. Self-advocacy and advocacy skills need to be learned and they can be taught. People need the skills to be able to speak out. All learners deserve a curriculum and a programme relevant to their lives.

4. NIACE has heard too many stories from providers about how such education and training provision is sometimes skewed by inappropriate qualifications being offered. This is a mistaken view. The Skills Funding Agency does not require provision for students with learning disabilities to be related to a national qualification in order to be funded. What matters is that there is some rigorous recording and assessment of progress and achievement related to the individual and their own goals - and that doesn't need a qualification to shape it. Let's hope that the forthcoming Ofsted report on this provision will say as much. And clearly.

5. The need for teachers and trainers to do their bit to promote equality and diversity, including helping learners to have their voice heard. Just as whistleblowers are needed to be brave and forthright in their scrutiny in the workplace, so are learners with the self confidence and skills to say what they think and communicate their wishes. This means that self advocacy should be built into the fabric of all educational and training provision. There is much to be done to support teachers and care workers in this endeavour. NIACE has over the years produced much material that should help, including:

• Our Right to Learn - a pack for people with learning difficulties and staff who work with them, based on the Charter for Learning;

• Making it Work - a free download for practitioners and managers working with people with learning difficulties in FE colleges, adult and community learning services, work-based learning and voluntary sector organisations;

• Adults with Learning Difficulties - a practical approach for staff working in a teaching or enabling role with adults who have learning difficulties; and

• Working with learners who have learning difficulties - free download.