24/02/2004

Direct Payment plan for people with learning disabilities

A new Direct Payment brochure for people with learning disabilities was launched by the Department for Social Development today.

The brochure gives a set of choices on how benefits can be paid in the future, in a style and language that aims to be easily understood.

Speaking at the launch in the Art College in York Street, Belfast, Alan Shannon, Permanent Secretary at the Department for Social Development, said: “The new brochure is quite unusual in its look and feel. It is an attractive and eye-catching publication, and of course that is important.

"But its real importance comes from the fact that people with a learning disability were consulted and because the brochure will help many others with a learning disability to make an informed choice and gain better access to services because of it.”

The new brochure was produced by the Social Security Agency in partnership with MENCAP.

Maureen Piggot, Director of MENCAP, said: “It is important that information like this is made available to people with a learning disability. The choice on Direct Payment is a personal one, but this new brochure will help individuals make the choice that is right for them.”

Copies of the new brochure can be obtained by phoning 0845 7636227 or by email at mencapni @mencap.org.uk.

(MB)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

26 August 2002
Open Learning Centre badged for MOUS success
Advanced Learning Systems has announced that the company has received the Microsoft seal of approval by becoming a recognised testing centre for Microsoft Office courseware and examinations. Joanne Bayliss, Manager of Advanced Learning Systems, said she was delighted on becoming a MOUS approved testing centre.
15 November 2024
New Pathway To Support Young People With Diabetes
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has welcomed the launch of a new Regional Young Adults' Progression Pathway designed to support young people with Type 1 diabetes as they transition to adult services.
22 September 2022
New Mainstreaming Shared Education Strategy Released
A new Mainstreaming Shared Education Strategy, setting out the vision and plans for embedding Shared Education throughout the Northern Ireland education system, has been announced by Education Minister Michelle McIlveen Launching the strategy during a visit to a shared education partnership between St Patrick’s and Ballynahinch Primary Schools, Min
15 August 2019
New Model In Progress For Adult Learning Disability Services
The Health and Social Care Board is seeking opinions from service users and their families as it develops a new model for Adult Learning Disability Services. It is hoped the regional strategy will ensure that all in need of the service will have access to the support they need regardless of where they live.
05 May 2009
Lifelong Skills Gets NI Boost
In the midst of one of the worst recessions this century, there is to be a renewed focus on 'transferable skills'. As hundreds lose their jobs across NI, re-training is already an important facet of reintegrating redundant workers, with the new initiative by Lifelong Learning UK (LLUK) Northern Ireland being welcomed this week.