Posted on Friday 14th July 2023
Julia Jessel
A new strategy will help disabled and neurodivergent people in Staffordshire live independent and fulfilling lives for as long as possible.
The new strategy has been produced by Staffordshire County Council and the NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board (ICB).
There are around 21,000 adults with a learning disability, 6,200 adults with registrable eye conditions or severe visual impairment and one in fifty under 18’s with Autism living in Staffordshire. Most people with disabilities and neurodivergences manage with the help and support of their family, friends, and communities.
The strategy, which will be discussed at Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet next week, outlines how the county council and ICB will support all disabled and neurodivergent people whatever their age.
It comes after more than 500 people responded to a survey asking them what support they needed to be able to live an independent and fulfilling life.
Staffordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Health and Care Julia Jessel said:
People of any age with a disability or neurodivergence should be supported to live the best life they can, for as long as they are able. This new strategy ensures these people are put at the centre of everything we do in Staffordshire.
Throughout the development of this strategy, we have been speaking directly to those with experience of disability and neurodivergence. This means we have been able to put something together that is meaningful, will make a difference, and has been directly influenced by disabled and neurodivergent people, their carers and their families.”
Dr Whaheed Abassi ICB Clinical Director for Mental Health and Learning Disabilities said:
We would really like to thank everyone who responded to our engagement work. This has allowed us to shape our new strategy that will support people to live as well as possible.”