Supporting independence – from rhetoric to reality

Abstract

Purpose – Linking together four other articles in the journal, this commentary aims to discuss how and why national policy and its implementation in England have helped or hindered a reduction in dependency and increase in independence for people with a learning disability. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is primarily a personal view, drawing on examples from policy, practice and research, written to be challenging and provocative about the current limitations of policy and its delivery mechanisms in the current political and economic climate. Findings – The lack of a clear consensus about “prevention” in the learning disability sector and a failure to give sufficient time to effect cultural change that will help reduce dependency, allied to a set of system dynamics that militate against creative commissioning and the use of evidence, are collectively resulting in effective action to promote independence being limited to places that are characterised by creative thinking and effective leadership. Originality/value – The paper argues for a fundamental change in the prevailing approach to commissioning and accountability in public services.