Page 14 - Kidz to Adultz Issue 19

Anna
RACHAEL DODGSON
Rachael Dodgson is Chief Executive of Dimensions,
one of the UK’s largest not- for-profit support providers for people with learning disabilities and/or autism. With more than 30 years’ experience in the social care sector, Rachael’s previous roles include Dimensions’ Managing Director, Group Operations Director at Care Management Group, and Head of Adult Social Care Policy for the CQC. Rachael’s priorities for the sector include improving workforce pay and esteem, addressing the ongoing failure to get more people out of ATUs,
and continuing to prove that, properly supported, more people can lead better lives as part of their community.
Health or Social Services. There are, however, many monetary matters to consider when organising someone’s transition to adult services.
MONEY MATTERS
Upon turning 16, someone with learning disabilities and/or autism has the same right as anyone else to claim benefits, which may include Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payments (PIP), and Employment & Support Allowance (ESA). An award of ESA to a young person means that any benefits their family receives for them will stop, so families should check that they will definitely be better off by claiming benefits.
Having assessed a young person’s needs, the LA will then allocate a Personal Budget, which is reviewed every year, designed to meet the individual’s needs as they change
throughout life. This Personal Budget may be made as a Direct Payment, a cash payment from the LA for people to purchase their own services. A Direct Payment is available to anyone aged 18-64 who needs care or support – it is not a social security benefit and thus will not affect a young person’s benefits entitlement.
While the need for all these arrangements was obviated back when most people with learning disabilities and/or autism lived in residential care on a small weekly allowance, this system also removed many people’s choices about how they spend their money – and their lives. Now, there are many people whose lives are a testament to
the benefits of a properly tailored transition.
For more information about Dimensions visit the website www.dimensions-uk.org
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