The 15 agreements detailed in the contract will transform the lives of people with learning disabilities over the next ten years. The report ‘Agreeing Together – a contract for the future,’ comes at a critical time for social care with the imminent launch of a government white paper and a draft bill outlined in the Queens Speech.
Graham said: “I am delighted to sign ‘Agreeing Together’ and hope that it will encourage many other individuals and organisations to do the same to make sure there is an opportunity for a better life for everyone with a learning disability.”
Anthea Sully, Director of the Learning Disability Coalition said: “Whilst there have been many improvements in the lives of people with learning disabilities over the past 40 years, especially in regard to the closure of the long stay hospitals, there is still a way to go to make sure that people are able to live the lives they want to lead. Many people are not getting the social care support or good quality healthcare they need. It is extremely difficult for someone with a learning disability to get a job and many people are living in poverty. There is also the horror of living with the fear of hate crime.”
Agreeing Together was launched in the House of Lords on 22nd May, hosted by the first signatory, Lord Rix, an eminent campaigner for the rights of people with learning disabilities.