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Exploring learning disabilities: supporting belonging
Exploring learning disabilities: supporting belonging

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4 Changing the system

The rights of people with learning disabilities were emphasised strongly in the 2001 Valuing People White Paper. This was the first policy document in England and Wales to focus on learning disability for 30 years. In Scotland, The Same as You policy was published in 2000.

Activity 6 Valuing People

Timing: Allow about 10 minutes

Watch this short video about the Valuing People White Paper and then think about what you consider to be its most important aspects by answering the poll at the link below.

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Video 9
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Link: The value of Valuing People [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)]

Once you have submitted your choice you can then see how others have voted.

Valuing People is recognised as a landmark piece of policy in learning disability. But it is also acknowledged that Valuing People did not create the widespread change that people hoped it would. Some of the changes it advocated – such as closing day centres – have since been criticised for reducing people’s opportunities to socialise, and putting more pressure on families.