C – control S – support that’s right I – independence D – dignity E - empowerment ‘C-SIDE’

Donna’s Journey Told by Donna and Vivien

Donna youngest in family of 4 children Diagnosis at 5 years old of severe learning disability and autism Mother died when Donna was 12 Father became ill and Donna moved to Derbyshire A bit of background………

At 18 Donna moved to a residential home with 7 other people…… Donna was not happy living in a large group and was disrupting others’ lives Donna was seen as challenging and difficult to manage

Growing awareness of person centred services Found out about ‘supported living’ at a Housing Roadshow But things were changing…. Realised that changes were possible….

Research and talking to lots of people Found out about Individual Budgets from Learning Disability Service Encouraged to give it a go….

Where are we now? In June Donna became a tenant in her own home An Individual Budget was approved and she has her own support team

What has this given us? Flexibility

Ongoing group of people who are Donna’s friends Donna is broadening her social network Makes choice real (not just words!!) Made it more family centred We can be equal as sisters! Donna is making her own decisions Evolving all the time!

Thank you for listening…. After 30 unhappy years in residential homes Donna finally has a place of her own through her Individual Budget