New report examines the adult social care experiences of people with learning difficulties
- Area of Work: The ALLIANCE
- Type: News Item
- Published: 8th February 2021
The report emphasises the importance of independent living, improving self-directed support, and protecting access to non-statutory support.
A new report (this link will take you away from our website) by Strathclyde University’s Fraser of Allander Institute has gathered evidence of people with learning difficulties’ experiences of adult social care in Scotland. They found that a decade of change has shown some positive impacts, but further work remains to be done in key areas.
Amongst its findings, the report highlights the relative success of moving support away from hospital and institutional care into community-based care. This move was backed by substantial investment, and sets a helpful example for future reform to adult social care.
They were also told that although self-directed support should improve outcomes, the complexity of the system has made it difficult for many people with learning difficulties to navigate. The ALLIANCE have previously published our own “My Support, My Choice” research into self-directed support, which found that people with learning difficulties were more likely than others to feel that they hadn’t been given enough information. This further emphasises the need to ensure the information necessary to support decision-making is made available to people in a consistent and accessible manner.
Other key findings of the report relate to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has resulted in a substantial reduction in support services. Non-statutory services are often essential to enabling people with learning difficulties to realise their right to independent living, and there are fears the support won’t return to pre-pandemic levels.
The full report is available on the FAI’s website. (this link will take you away from our website)
It is also available in an easy read format. (this link will take you away from our website)
End of page.
You may also like:
This short report provides an overview of the role of housing in health and social care integration.
Continue readingWorking together to support families through a new whole household approach
Continue readingA coalition of organisations urges immediate support as rising costs threaten people most at risk across Scotland
Continue readingYoung people’s feedback will help NHS 24 better understand needs and improve support services
Continue readingALLIANCE input and lived experience evidence help shape stronger, person-centred and trauma-informed maternity care
Continue reading#TryAToolTuesday raises awareness of free and trusted apps and resources that help people improve and manage their health and wellbeing.
Continue readingEuropean Patients Forum announces 2026 training for young patient advocates to build skills and shape healthcare.
Continue readingTake part in this survey if you have a long term condition, are Deaf, Deafblind or have a Visual Impairment
Continue readingLearn more about the Parkrun BSL glossary and YouTube video series
Continue readingFind Lipreading classes local to you
Continue readingPaid internship opportunity for school leavers with Visual Impairment
Continue readingAn examination of the role of social workers in alleviating stigma experienced by members of the Deaf community in Ireland and the UK
Continue readingThis study is for young people aged 12–16 years living in Scotland, who are Blind or have Severe Sight Impairment
Continue readingSupporting stronger information rights, while warning delivery must work for an already stretched sector
Continue readingA new resource by Adaptation Scotland to help social care professionals integrate climate adaptation into care planning and delivery.
Continue readingShow Up is a multi-year campaign which will focus on the areas where change is most needed.
Continue readingRead more about the ALLIANCE response to the report on the impact of COVID-19 on the health and social care sector in Scotland.
Continue readingRead more about the ALLIANCE Annual Conference which took place on 23 March 2026.
Continue readingOnline toolkit makes it easier for people to communicate with public services.
Continue readingTake part in a month of physical activity to support MISS's work.
Continue readingRefined plans focus on practical measure to improve outcomes for people with learning disabilities, autism and neurodivergence.
Continue readingUp to £20 million to be delivered via Independent Living Fund to help people live in their communities
Continue readingTake part in Lead Scotland's research on cyber crime and online safety.
Continue readingLearn how creative methods can open conversations, reduce barriers and support meaningful participation
Continue readingThis report summarises the Integration in Action event in February 2026.
Continue reading