We are a self advocacy organisation, in Worcestershire, for people with learning disabilities.

  We took your questionnaire "Joint Committee on Human Rights Press Notice No 29" to our monthly members' meeting.

  We split into groups to answer the following questions:

1.  How easy it is for people with learning disabilities to have a say in decision which affect them?

2.  How easy is it for people with learning disabilities to make a complaint about a service?

3.  What would help people with learning disabilities get their human rights? Can you given some examples of when this has been done well?

4.  What chances you have had to have personal relationships with people like boyfriends, girlfriends, husbands or wives?

  We have summarised and enclosed our answers for you.

RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS

1.  How easy is it for people with learning disabilities to have a say in decisions which affect them?

  It is hard to make decisions.

  Sometimes help is needed.

  Nobody listens.

  People in the street do not understand.

  We should be treated as individuals, this would help us take control.

  It is hard to communicate, sometimes a carer has to do this for you.

  Supporters can be a good help.

  Some decisions are very difficult to make.

  Sometimes it is hard to know who to ask for help.

  Most people with learning disabilities are still being told where to live.

  Most people with learning disabilities are told what to do during the day.

  Sometimes family relationships make it difficult.

  Some decisions are difficult to understand.

  Sometimes we cannot do what we want because of staff and money.

2.  How easy is it for people with learning disabilities to make a complaint about a service?

  If I have a complaint I would talk to my key worker/supporter.

  It can be hard to complain because there are lots of procedures are things to do to complain.

  It can be difficult to know where to go to complain.

  I know where the forms are but not what to do with them.

  It can be embarrassing to complain.

  It is hard to complain about people because it might get them into trouble.

  It is important to know who to talk to, if you don't it is very difficult to complain. You need to be able to trust someone.

  Some people are too nervous to make a complaint.

  Staff can get angry and get people into trouble.

  Some people worry so much it can make them ill.

  Sometimes there is no point in complaining because nothing gets done about it.

  A complaint was made about the kerb and they lowered it. It was done very quickly.

  There are staff who help us. We could use an advocate.

  The government could help by giving more money and making stronger laws.

  We need complaint policies with pictures on them.

  We could talk to our MP or councillor.

3.  What would help people with learning disabilities get their human rights? Can you give some examples of when this has been done?

  When people go to speaking up groups and are supported. People can speak up on the partnership board.

  Information should be easy to understand, bills, fun things and food.

  Going to college to learn life skills. This helps increase choices about food and what to do in the future.

  More publicity and speakers.

  It would be really good not to be treated like children. Some people do treat us like adults and this is good.

  Self advocacy groups help people to speak up for themselves.

  Consultations help get our voices heard.

4.  What chances you have had to have personal relationships with people like boyfriends, girlfriends, husbands or wives?

  We are stuck in at home with not many friends. I would like to go out to the pub or to bingo. We could go out in a group with just one supported.

  Some supporters will not work in the evening.

  Lifelinks are doing evening groups, this will help us meet new people.

  Transport can be a problem if you want to go out with your partner or friends. Taxis are expensive.

  Hard to meet anybody other than the people you see at the day centres. Some of us need help to make arrangements. We need money to go out and about and a bus pass.

  There are internet dating agencies for people with disabilities.

30 May 2007