People with learning difficulties ''should live in houses''

Those with learning difficulties should be given some choice concerning where and in what kind of property they would like to live, according to one expert.

David Congden, the head of campaigns and policy for disability charity Mencap, said that its best practice if people with learning difficulties can live in "an ordinary house in an ordinary street" based on the principles of supported living.

He said: "I think people are realising how important the ability to live independently is to anyone with or without a learning disability.

"It is vital."

This follows a recent investigation by the Healthcare Commission into unsatisfactory living conditions at a centre for people with learning disabilities in Surrey.

They found that the centre encouraged dependence rather than independence and that residents had no choices over where they lived or who with.

The Foundation for People with Learning Difficulties says that people should live in smaller, more homely environments so they can receive a better standard of care than in larger, institutional settings.


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