BARRIERS TO MANAGING PERSONAL ASSISTANCE

WEDNESDAY 17^TH FEBRUARY 2010 10.30am-4pm

VENUE: 336 Brixton Road, London SW9 7AA

Independent Living Alternatives’ philosophy is based on the fundamental principle that Personal Assistance Users directly manage the day-to-day personal assistance required to live independently. However, what happens when people acquire a secondary impairment or illness and therefore cannot directly manage their personal assistance?

As a result of experiences within ILA over the past year ILA wants to explore models of good practice that continue to place the PA User in control when their ability to directly manage is impaired. To this end ILA wants to explore:

· How does the model of user control work alongside age related issues such as dementia or a stroke?

· How does a PA User manage mental health issues alongside their personal assistance needs?

· Can ILA establish a model to ensure a balance of control and choice?

· How can ILA ensure that PAs are working to wishes of the PA User when it is necessary to work alongside a family carer?

BARRIERS TO MANAGING PERSONAL ASSISTANCE

10.30       Registration and coffee

11.00       Setting the agenda: the importance of maintaining control throughout chaos through challenges and changes

11.30       Personal Assistance Users managing Personal Assistance as Mental Health Service Users

12.00       Establishing formal support networks and the role of informal networks

12.10       Advocating for Dementia

12.20       Independent Mental Capacity Advocates

12.30       Question and Answer: the role of advocacy in managing personal assistance

13.00       Lunch

14.00       Practical Working Solutions: How do you plan to manage your life?

15.00       Working Models into Practice: Can third party models work in a user controlled environment?

15.30       Conclusion

NB: priority booking will be given to disabled people