Comhairle nan Eilean Siar PRESS RELEASE 04 October 2001 For Use: Immediately

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Support Services Developed For People With Special Needs

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar's Social Work Committee today agreed improvements in service for people with special needs.

The proposals are a result of the recommendations from the Beattie Committee and the Scottish Executive's Review of Services for People With Learning Disabilities.

Chairman of Social Work, Mrs Mairi Bremner, said:
"These proposals will improve the quality of life for many people with special needs. Integrating people into mainstream activities within the community is an important step in developing individuals' confidence and abilities. It is also important to maximise the opportunities available and these measures will go a long way to ensuring that more people with special needs have the support to enable them to develop their lives."

The Beattie Report, Implementing Inclusiveness - Realising Potential, indicated the steps required to engage young people who, because of learning or physical disabilities, mental health problems or disaffection and alienation, should be provided with specific support to enable them to access mainstream life opportunities.

The proposals put forward for developing services within the Western Isles include new support services for trainees on the OFTTI (Opportunities For Training Towards Independence) scheme which is currently limited to three years registration for participants.

Also planned is the provision of a development route from day care services for people who are able to live fairly independent lives and who would not benefit from the structured training and employment opportunities offered by OFTTI but who are able to take part in other activities that would include them in the mainstream lives of communities.

The development of services also includes the establishment of a recognised and structured process of service co-ordination that would ensure that people can move around within the range of services being offered. Particular emphasis will be placed on providing support to enable people with special needs to access mainstream opportunities and services.

Ends

Issued by Nigel Scott
Communications Officer