Independent Living Advocacy

Advocacy is an important tool in the service provision arsenal. Getting support from someone who really understands the barriers disabled people face is absolutely crucial if the direct payments support package is going to be genuinely empowering. Peer-based support is the most effective way of doing this - that is, support from other disabled people with the appropriate training and experience, and who are independent of the funding bodies. Feedback and evaluation from existing support organisations bears this out getting independent support when it is needed is also vital. A support worker should meet with a person who is interested in Independent Living to explore the options well before a community care assessment takes place (i.e. self-assessment). This means that when they do have an assessment they are properly prepared. They know what they want from a support package and are able to make informed choices. Direct payments work most effectively when the prospective employer has had an opportunity to fully explore all options.

It is not the role of the support worker to advise or manage PAs or other workers. This is the employer's role. Likewise in situations of conflict between employer and employee it may be advisable to encourage the employer to seek legal advice beyond the skill / knowledge of the support worker, though the training, advice and support should help to avoid such situations from arising.

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