What progress has been made on the implementation of The Same as You?.

Considerable progress is being made across Scotland in implementing the recommendations of The same as you?. Local authorities, NHS boards and their partners set out plans for implementation at local level in Partnership in Practice Agreements for 2001-04. Local area co-ordinators have been appointed in many areas, all but seven long-stay learning disability hospitals have closed, and people with learning disabilities are taking part in a greater range of employment, lifelong learning and social activities.At national level, I announced on 20 June that I would chair the National Implementation Group set up to oversee implementation of The same as you?; change funds provided by the Scottish Executive have now increased to £16 million for 2003-04, and the Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002 provides a right to direct payments to all people with learning disabilities who want them, from 1 June 2003.The Scottish Consortium for Learning Disability, funded by the Scottish Executive to offer consultancy and support to implement The same as you?, is sharing information and good practice, promoting joined-up services, letting people know about useful research and undertaking public education campaigns. The consortium is also involving people with learning disabilities and carers in improving training standards and providing training to a range of professionals.Scottish ministers are committed to successful implementation of The same as you? and to improving the lives of people with learning disabilities and their families.