Ian Loynes Chief Executive, SCIL Embedding the Social Model of Disability Into the Transforming Social Care Agenda SCIL: Celebrating 25 Years Promoting equality across the South Southampton Centre for Independent Living

Independent Living is a philosophy, a way of looking at Disability and society, and has developed into a worldwide movement of Disabled People who work for self- determination, self-respect and equal opportunities The first Centre for Independent Living was founded by Ed Roberts, in Berkeley, California in Created to offer peer support; are run and controlled by Disabled People and work to the Social Model of Disability

12 Basic Rights to Independent Living: Full ACCESS to our environment A fully accessible TRANSPORT system TECHNICAL AIDS/EQUIPMENT Accessible / adapted HOUSING PERSONAL ASSISTANCE Inclusive EDUCATION and TRAINING An adequate INCOME Equal opportunities for EMPLOYMENT Appropriate and accessible INFORMATION ADVOCACY (towards self advocacy) COUNSELLING Appropriate and accessible HEALTH CARE provision

Social Model of Disability Social Model of Disability: 1976 (UPIAS) proclaimed that Disability was: ‘the disadvantage or restriction of activity caused by a contemporary social organisation which takes little or no account of people who have impairments and thus excludes them from participation in the mainstream of social activities’. Disability is a form of social oppression To me, the Social Model tells me: It is not my individual impairments that Disables me, but the way that society fails to accept me for who I am; and fails to meet my needs. This is what Disables me I don’t deny medical intervention, I would be dead without it! However, my equality of opportunity should not depend on the availability of a cure. I don’t need curing – I need Rights!

Embedding the SMD and IL …into the Transformation of Social Care: This is conceptually about 2 important principles: 1)Services should be personalised to the needs, dreams and ambitions of the individual – Not designed around their impairment, age etc 2) Services must be defined through the self- determination of the individual, empowered through a desire for equality of opportunity and with the support and encouragement of their peers

Threats … Opportunities … To Disabled People (Service Users)? To Society? To the Social Care Workforce?

Thank You! Ian Loynes Tel: Presentation © SCIL 2010