The costs and benefits of ‘good’ self-directed support

The costs and benefits of ‘good’ self-directed support’ is a research project coproduced in partnership with the Glasgow Centre for Inclusive Living and the University of Stirling.

Since the implementation of Self Directed Support (SDS) there has been no research to date to take into account the wider costs and benefits of SDS to society.  The project believes there is a mixed picture of success and failure – whilst it increases control over the support for disabled people, access to resources has been reduced.

‘The costs and benefits of ‘good’ self-directed support’ includes disabled people regardless of impairment.  The project explores:

  • What is meant by ‘good’ self directed support?
  • What can we learn from international evidence?
  • What would it cost to implement in Scotland?
  • What are the benefits for disabled people and carers by promoting independent living, creating stronger families and communities, and a fairer society?

The project provides compelling, evidenced based research about what changes are needed in the way SDS is resourced and delivered in order to support disabled people to participate fully in the life of the community (including work and education) and exercise genuine choice and control not just over the SDS process, but over their own lives.