Government funding for young people with learning disabilities

Young people with learning disabilities have the same right to education training and employment as any other young person. However, they also require specialist training and support. Unlike their non-disabled peers young people with learning disabilities do not have multiple choices or opportunities where they can access staff who understand often complex communication and learning needs, suitably equipped premises or individual learning plans.

Major gaps in the availability of such services in NI have been identified in a range of recent research reports. However, Step by Step provided such an opportunity for young people providing training for employment as part of an award winning restaurant that is much valued by the young people who take part in their programme and their families.

The closure of 180 will have a devastating effect not only on the current trainees but on all of the other young people with learning disabilities transitioning from school in the near future.