Concerns about the future of disabled adults transitioning from full-time education to adult social services have been highlighted in letters published by the Guardian. Readers responded to an article from 5 October discussing the crisis in social care for disabled adults.
One parent shared their experience of their quadriplegic daughter receiving 24-hour care from their local council, which has enabled her to live a fulfilling life. However, they noted the ongoing parental involvement required to manage her care and safety, and expressed concern about her future without their advocacy.
Another contributor, a lecturer in social policy, emphasised the diversity of support needs and provision within social care, advocating for choice and control for disabled people. They highlighted personal assistants as an important, yet often overlooked, part of the social care landscape. Disabled people's organisations are reportedly calling for a national independent living service to be at the heart of reform, moving beyond a narrow view of social care.
A third letter detailed a 15-year experience of unfulfilled promises from social services, difficulties with staff turnover, and a lack of effective treatment for their son's mental health issues, which escalated to a psychotic episode. They described having to initiate reviews for their son's medical care, raising concerns about what will happen when they can no longer advocate for him.