The Provision of Self-Advocacy for Young People and Adults with LD and/or Autism SEND

The purpose of the Service is to enable people who reside in the county of Staffordshire and who are also aged fourteen (14) years and over with a Learning Disability and/or Autistic Spectrum Condition and/or aged fourteen (14) to twenty five (25) years with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) to speak up for themselves and on behalf of others about the things that are important to them. The objective of the Service is to facilitate a user led service, with local groups that look at local issues; where people with disabilities are (and feel that they are) listened to.

The service will facilitate opportunities to be involved and speak up about projects that the Council and NHS are working on and to be kep informed about how their input has shaped the project. There will be Focus Groups on topics of the client groups choice and opportunities to link up with other client groups and self advocacy groups.

The service will use plain language with no jargon or big words and will facilitate alternative ways to express opinions for example (but not limited to) Makaton. The service will ensure timely and accessible communication between groups and the service.

The service will arrange meetings at a suitable time, day and frequency chosen by the client groups, in accessible locations with consideration of the needs of the clients (eg transport). The service will also offer one to one support sessions so individuals who are not confident in a group session can drop in to discuss specific issues; there will be peer support groups and advocacy buddies to lean from others and offer understanding and support.