Supporting people with learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities

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Published: 20 June 2007

Supporting people with learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities

The Department for Education and Skills, Department for Work and Pensions and the Department of Health have joined forces to demonstrate their collective resolve to improve the outcomes for all learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and show their commitment to ensuring learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are given the best chance to achieve their full potential.

'Progression through Partnership' is the Governments' joint response to 'Through Inclusion to Excellence'.

Known as the 'Little Report', it sets out plans for:

· Increased joint policy development

· Improvements in provision and services

· Workforce performance

· The development of joint evaluation and monitoring systems

· Specific activities with delivery partners around issues requiring immediate attention

For example, improved planning activity, looking at courses at local colleges & day centres and improving the quality of what is on offer

Bill Rammell Minister for Lifelong Learning Further and Higher Education said:

"The last ten years has seen great progress in our work with learners with LDD. But we want to progress with even greater achievements over the next ten years and through partnership with our delivery partners such as the Learning and Skills Council, Local Authorities and Job Centres I am confident we shall do this.

The Strategy sets out what is expected of delivery partners and the milestones over the next few years about the way in which improvements will be made.

The Strategy is practical and aims to secure joint planning and action to ensure policy is made between the three departments which will lead to employment outcomes for learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities wherever this can be achieved.

All too often there is low expectation of such learners and by building on some emerging effective practice the three departments want to challenge attitudes and change this culture."

Anne McGuire, Minister for Disabled People, said:

"People with a learning disability have one of the lowest employment rates of any group of disabled people. The launch of this Strategy will play an important role in extending opportunity to this group of people and ensure that greater numbers of those who can and want to work have the chance to do so.

I am confident that the joint working to which we are committed will improve opportunities for people with a learning disability."

Care Services Minister, Ivan Lewis said:

"Supporting young people and adults with learning difficulties and disabilities to achieve their educational aims will help them to live fulfilling lives in their local communities and particularly to go on to enter the world of work.

The goal of this strategy, launched today is for all people to have an equal chance to get the education they need and the job that they want."

Further information:

'Progression through Partnership'

'Through Inclusion to Excellence'

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Tackling Discrimination, Modernising the Law

Access to Healthcare for People with Learning Disabilities

Aiming High for Disabled

Children with Special Educational Needs

Measuring Progress towards Equality for Disabled People

Improving Information for Disabled People