The operational director of adults care and support at Barking and Dagenham Council writes on the importance of developing independence.

One of the big challenges we face in our disabilities service is providing clients with learning disabilities with the support they need to develop personal independence and have the best life opportunities possible.

Most clients with learning disabilities have the capacity to learn and implement new skills that give them a pathway to a more independent life. We find that personal independence is a key factor when it comes to employment for people with learning disabilities. It is our aim to provide our clients with learning disabilities with better long-term outcomes and give them access to the tools that can help them to achieve this.

Many clients with learning disabilities grow up in very supportive and protective families. This often means that their natural desire for more independence can be met with resistance. In their attempt to protect a vulnerable family member, families may hinder or slow down the development of independence, which has the potential to significantly reduce the confidence that is needed to gain greater independence. In some cases families rely on the benefits that a disabled member of their household receives. A greater degree of independence of the person with a learning disability may pose a risk to the family income.