Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Laura Stobbs on November 4, 2011 at 9:51

Hi Amanda,

so if you have personal assistants who need training is the employer expected to pay for this or is there some kind of funding your service users can access to this make this training more affordable?

 

thanks

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by amanda beech on November 4, 2011 at 10:20

Hi Laura,

thank you for your question. Most personal assistants, or those who are thinking of becoming personal assistants can apply for the Individual Learning Account 200 Funding from ILA Scotland. this is open to anyone who lives in Scotland and has an annual income of less than £22,000 through work or benefits. If anyone is unsure if they qualify they can contact me (as I have a copy of the eligibility criteria) or look on their Website (just google ILA Scotland and you will go there). For the small number of people that do not qualify, at the moment, either they or their employers will need to self-fund the course. I have found this not to be a problem on past courses.

 

I hope this has answered your question!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Linda Jane McLean on November 5, 2011 at 15:43

Hi, Amanda,

When you say you are offering training, who is doing the training, and do you need any qualifications? Is it a recognised course?

And when you say you help people live independently, do you have an advocacy services or is there any guidance with assessments? 

Do you provide a payroll service, or do you simply point the way?

 

All this would be helpful to know. 

Kind regards,

Linda

 

 

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by amanda beech on November 8, 2011 at 13:40

Hi Lynda,

thanks for the questions. Sorry about the delay in replying but I work only three days a week!

Anyway, to the answers:

the trainers that LCiL use are external trainers that are disabled people but have been self- employed trainers for a number of years or were trainers in a past employment. We have a small but very experienced pool of people that we call on as of when is required. My role as Training Officer, is to support the trainers with the LCiL approved training materials etc. which are then delivered either at Norton Park or at an agreed location.

 

As to qualifications, there are a wide range of qualifications that are training related actually held by the trainers. LCiL feel that is important that all of our trainers do have some kind of professional training qualification as well as having personal experience and understanding of the barriers faced by disabled people.

Regarding the Two day Course Training for Personal Assistants, no the participants do not need qualifications to attend. the usual person attending is one who is already in employment and wish to brush up on theier PA skills as a PA, or someone who is interested in being a PA.    

 

The course is highly recognised by disabled people who are employers and more and more the Councils are beginning to take interest in the course. there has been great interest within the course from both emplloyers and employees.

 

Topics covered include:

 Disability and Equality - cultural representations of disabled people and barriers faced by disabled people

• Social Model of Disability –  and how to apply the principles in your PA role 
• Understanding the importance of appropriate language 
• Exploring roles and relationships
• Knowing the Relationship Boundaries
• Exploring potential dilemmas 
• Responding to Your Employer’s Needs

 

"LCiL works with disabled people to take control of their own lives, support their choice to take up their rights and enable their full participation in society"

 

LCIL is a user-led Disabled People’s Organisation which provides a range of services to support disabled people to live independently….  

 

Independent living means disabled people of all ages having the same freedom, choice, dignity and control as other citizens at home, at work, and in the community. It means rights to practical assistance and support to participate in society and live an ordinary life.

 

LCIL works with disabled people to take control of their own lives, support their choice to take up their rights and enable their full participation in society.

 

LCIL is part of the Disability Rights Movement and the Independent Living Movement in Scotland.

Our services include:   Grapevine, the Disability Information Service,  the Independent Living Service, a Training Service providing free training to disabled people,  Your Call – the national counselling service for disabled people and our Payroll Service for PA employers.

 

I hope I have covered all the answers to your questions, if not please ask again.

If you know of anyone who is interested in the course then please let me know.

 

Speak soon

Amanda

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Linda Jane McLean on November 8, 2011 at 15:08

Thanks Amanda,

That was very helpful. I  understand now that you are a support network, which provides information and counselling t. You have answered very fully, and I am much clearer now.

What is still slightly muddy for me is this: if I have a friend who wants to be more independent, but does not know how to go about it, will contact with you be enough? Will you advocate for her, or do you only become involved once that part has been done? In other words, can people contact you as a first resort, or does the case  have to be referred?

 

Kind regards,

Linda

 

 

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by amanda beech on November 8, 2011 at 16:22

Hi Linda

 

i ve spoken to one of our Independent Living Officers and, she says if your friend wishes to give me their contact details i.e. name and address I will then passit onto them who will then send out some leaflets giving information on independent living, self directed support and direct payments. if they still are still interested in direct payments after reading the literature, they can contact one of the Independent Living Team who will guide them through the assessment process into receiving direct payments.

 

I hope this helps and please look on LCiL's website at www.lothiancil.org.uk

 

regards

 

Amanda

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Linda Jane McLean on November 8, 2011 at 16:25

Thank you!!

• ▶ Reply