I work for Sunlight Trust and am supporting the development, to eventual independence, of shout out, a self advocacy group for adults with learning disabilities in Medway. Shout out commenced in June 2006 and the management committee will imminently be voted in following lots of work on the constitution for the group.

  The group took part in discussing the above consultation at their last meeting. Unfortunately, time ran out before all the issues were discussed but I trust the following points can be included in the overall response you receive.

  On their behalf the collated response follows:

GOOD HEALTH CARE

  Explaining information about hospital tests/procedures/operations is not good. Accessible information is not given.

  Waiting times, if long, can be more difficult for someone with learning disabilities than without.

EDUCATION

  Still remember being bullied at school and "nobody doing anything about it".

  "Not having teachers believe in me at school."

  "People didn't bother, take extra time, to help me eg with reading, because I have learning disabilities".

  Not enough opportunity to take "proper" exams eg GCSE.

HOUSING

  "No choice of who I live with" ie when living in small group home.

  Limited choice of housing when living independently.

WELFARE BENEFITS

  Not enough choice, or even being informed about, direct payments.

PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS

  Being told not to have babies because "you can't look after it".

  Being discouraged from having girlfriends/boyfriends by parents/carers.

  Sometimes difficult to keep contact with family members and friends because of being dependant on carers/ parents making the arrangements.

  "Staff shortage and sickness affects your social life."

Paula Crill,

Community Development Manager