Direct Payment plan for people with learning disabilities

A new Direct Payment brochure for people with learning disabilities was launched by the Department for Social Development today.

The brochure gives a set of choices on how benefits can be paid in the future, in a style and language that aims to be easily understood.

Speaking at the launch in the Art College in York Street, Belfast, Alan Shannon, Permanent Secretary at the Department for Social Development, said: “The new brochure is quite unusual in its look and feel. It is an attractive and eye-catching publication, and of course that is important.

"But its real importance comes from the fact that people with a learning disability were consulted and because the brochure will help many others with a learning disability to make an informed choice and gain better access to services because of it.”

The new brochure was produced by the Social Security Agency in partnership with MENCAP.

Maureen Piggot, Director of MENCAP, said: “It is important that information like this is made available to people with a learning disability. The choice on Direct Payment is a personal one, but this new brochure will help individuals make the choice that is right for them.”

Copies of the new brochure can be obtained by phoning 0845 7636227 or by email at mencapni @mencap.org.uk.

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