The successes and challenges of implementing individualised funding and supports for disabled people: an Irish perspective

Abstract

‘Individualised funding’, which is rooted in the Independent Living Movement, has formed part of a global paradigm shift in support services for disabled people. Against the backdrop of international experience, a political system aligned with the United Kingdom and emergent critics of individualised funding, this article presents findings from an evaluation of four pilot programmes in Ireland. Exemplified by independent-skills development and community integration, these initiatives have been welcomed as a progressive development beyond traditional service provision, with perceived improvements across a range of organisational, personal, health and social care domains. The article explores the importance of ‘natural supports’ and how overly protective behaviour may unintentionally act as a barrier to full implementation. The findings also indicate that unnecessarily complex systems can lead to individual burn-out. Furthermore, a national resource allocation system working in partnership with existing social care professionals and the wider community is recommended, as is learning from overly simplified, group-based ideologies.

Keywords:

• Disability
• individualised funding
• self-directed support
• circle of support
• implementation
• resource allocation system

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the invaluable contribution from the four organisations who piloted the individualised funding models and all participants, family members, advocates and organisation staff who kindly gave up their time to take part in this study.

Notes

1. A non-profit funding organisation whose mission is to develop, test and scale cost-effective ways of supporting people who are disadvantaged to live full lives in their communities. Currently Genio works to improve the lives of disabled people, people with mental health difficulties and those with dementia.

2. Block funding to service providers whereby previous annual spend for a service provider is used to estimate the required funding for the upcoming year (NDA 2011).

3. The Health Service Executive provides all of Ireland’s public health services in hospitals and communities.