unit 34 Part 3 inclusion

Part 3 – 20 The importance of independence and inclusion
Independence
Independence is at the heart of living a fulfilled life. Promoting independence is of great importance for people with physical disabilities. While people’s individual needs will differ, the starting presumption should be one of independence, rather than dependence, however, this does not mean doing everything unaided.

Independence can mean different things to different people. Some may see it as being able to do things on their own while others may feel it is about being able to make decisions and being in control of their lives, having self-confidence or a combination of these.

Whatever people’s perceptions of their own independence, most people associated the loss of their independence with being forced into making a particular choice because there were no realistic alternatives and/or support to make choices.

Inclusion

Being part of the mainstream is something most of us take for granted. We go to work, look after our families, visit our GP, use transport, and go to the swimming pool or cinema. Inclusion means enabling people with disabilities to do those ordinary things, make use of mainstream services and be fully included in the local community. If an individuals are not given the opportunities to be included within the mainstream they will undoubtedly feel isolated which can have dramatic effects on their wellbeing and could lead to withdrawal and even depression.

Part 3 – 21 Ways to help promote independence and inclusion
Changes in disability, social care and health policy now mean that disabled adults are being actively encouraged to increase their independence, for example by managing their own support, travelling independently, and being fully involved in mainstream society through education, work and leisure.
(RA) One of our service user’s enjoys taking part in activities outside her home, she enjoys meals out in a local pub, swimming and other sports, however she needs support to be able to do so. She has chosen to use her personal budget to be able to do these activities and we were able to put together a care plan which encompasses all the things she enjoys doing. As she regularly visits the pub, swimming pool etc. she has become a ‘familiar face’ and has made new friends, which has opened up doors to more opportunities and activities.
Part 3 – 22 The importance of choice and control
Like other people, Individuals with disabilities want to be able to choose where they live, what work they should do and who looks after them, however for too many people with disabilities, these are currently unattainable goals.

Everyone should be able to make choices; this includes people with severe and profound disabilities who, with the right help and support, can make important choices and express preferences about their day to day lives.

Being able to make choices empowers people and gives them more control over their lives and helps to build self-esteem. Self-esteem has a major effect on people’s health and well-being. Someone who has a positive view of themselves is more likely to be happier and healthier than a person with low self-esteem.
(RA) We build our care plans around the individual. The starting point is finding out how the individual wishes to live their life, and in what ways they would like us to be involved, then looking at ways of ensuring we can deliver what they are asking for.
If for some reason we are unable to deliver a particular service that they are looking for and alternatives are not an option, we fully support the individual in finding the right service for them as we do not expect them to settle for ‘second best’.

Part 3 – 23 Positive risk taking
Positive risk taking is about balancing positive benefits against negative effects.
Dangers to individuals and others are identified and the support that is put in place considers what would be ‘acceptable’ risks.
When enabling an individual to take risks their independence, strengths and abilities must be recognised and maintained.
Part 3 – 24 The importance of risk taking
Risk is an accepted part of life in our society; Individuals may need to take risks to achieve their aspirations, however people who need support can be discouraged from taking risks. This may be because of their perceived limitations or because of fear that they or others might be harmed,
Positive risk taking is a process which starts with the identification of potential benefit or harm. The desired outcome is to encourage and support people in positive risk taking to achieve personal change or growth.
To support people to have greater choice and control of their lives, to travel independently or take part in everyday activities means accepting there are risks that cannot be avoided but can be minimised and prepared for.

Part 3 – 25 How to encourage individuals to take positive risks while remaining safe
Supporting individuals with disabilities to take positive risks is an essential element of personalisation and encouraging 'choice and control'. Providing real choice and control means enabling them to take the risks they choose, particularly in the use of self-directed support and personal budgets.
Making risks clear and understood is crucial to empowering people need and recognising them as 'experts in their own lives'.

When staff are supporting people to take risks there must be a structured approach in place so that the reasons for decisions can be evidenced. Decision making on the management of risk will need to be at a level proportionate to the risk and impact.

Individuals using services should be given enough information in order that they can consider potential risks before they occur. This should include identifying the probability of the risk occurring and the impact if it does. Often the impact of a risk can be positive so it is not always necessary for risks to be managed.

Risk management requires everybody working together to achieve positive outcomes for the individual.
Risk assessments should be dynamic and flexible and should respond to change.

A person-centred approach should always be used when assessing, identifying and managing risk and the views of individuals and those of their family members should have prominent focus in this process.

Risk assessments should focus on a person’s strengths to give a positive base from which to develop plans that will support positive risk-taking and be proportionate to the risk identified and the potential impact.

Assessments should include historical information which is of value in the assessment and management of risk. Historical information should not prejudice a positive approach to risk taking in the future.
Arrangements for regular monitoring and reviewing should be in place.

It is essential that staff can access appropriate training to support them to promote positive risk taking.

Part 3 – 26 Challenging stereotypes and discriminatory attitudes

When I train staff, I have a whole session where discrimination, stereotyping and labelling are the main focus. Legislation is explained and scenarios of stereotyping and discriminatory situations are discussed as a group. Throughout other training sessions, there is usually a situation where stereotyping or discrimination could potentially arise which again gives staff the opportunity to discuss and learn more about the subject.