Austerity and the lives of people with learning disabilities. A thematic synthesis of current literature. Issue 9 (21st October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Malli, Melina Aikaterini; Sams, Lara; Forrester-Jones, Rachel; Murphy, Glynis; Henwood, Melanie
• Is Part Of: Disability & society. Volume 33:Issue 9(2018)
• Page Start: 1412
• Page End: 1435
• Publication Date: 2018-10-21
• Subjects: austerity -- learning disabilities -- family/informal carers -- budget cuts -- personalisation; People with disabilities -- Periodicals; People with disabilities -- Social conditions -- Periodicals; Special education -- Periodicals; Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; 362.4
• DOI: 10.1080/09687599.2018.1497950
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0968-7599

Abstract

Abstract: The Financial Crisis of 2008 resulted in many western economies implementing cuts in health and social care. This systematic review provides a holistic picture of the impact of austerity policy on the lives of people with learning disabilities (LD) and the collateral effects on the people who support them. Our review suggests that in the current climate of economic austerity, available funding to support people with LD is no longer aligned to their care needs. Cuts in disability services have adversely affected the well-being both of people with LD and their informal carers. Individuals with LD have lost social support and are experiencing increased social isolation. Heightened demands on family carers' time have negatively influenced their wider roles, including parental functioning, and labour market participation. Our review provides the foundations for further discourse and research on the effects of austerity on people with LD and their family carers.