A new ten-year programme aims to help more people achieve independent and fulfilling lives.
The county’s blueprint will strengthen support for adults with learning disabilities by focusing on healthcare, where people live, and their involvement in local communities.
Oxfordshire’s Learning Disability Plan 2025–2035 was unveiled by the county council working alongside partner bodies, having been developed through meaningful input from people with learning disabilities, their relatives, carers, and specialists.
The local authority’s cabinet member for adult social care, Councillor Tim Bearder, stated that the approach centres on listening and delivering results. He said the council is committed to making Oxfordshire a place where everyone, regardless of ability, can live well. He added that the views of people with learning disabilities, their families, and carers have shaped the plan, and their experiences will continue guiding the work. He stressed that the ambition is to create communities where everyone feels valued, gets the help they need, and can flourish.
More than 160 individuals took part in discussions during June and July 2025, with over 95 of those having a learning disability.
Further engagement activities in late 2024 included focus groups, world café sessions, and targeted workshops to ensure a wide range of perspectives was captured.
The plan is built around four core themes: supporting people to live well, improving access to health and wellbeing services, expanding housing choices, and prioritising support in the community over institutional settings.
Living well encompasses employment opportunities, building relationships, and participating in local life.
Health and wellbeing actions will address reaching services, preventive care, and maintaining healthy lifestyles.
Housing efforts involve increasing supported living arrangements and promoting self-reliance, while the homes-first approach aims to reduce reliance on residential healthcare settings.
Collaboration on the project includes partners from NHS Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, county and district councils, the Oxfordshire Association of Care Providers, and voluntary organisations such as the Oxfordshire Family Support Network, My Life My Choice, and Style Acre.
Abul, who is 36 and from Headington, and is involved with My Life My Choice and the quality of life working group, welcomed the inclusive approach.
He said he valued that the plan combined online and face-to-face elements, making it accessible to all. He noted that it was important for those with direct experience to help shape decisions that affect them. He expressed that knowing the council valued his contribution gave him pleasure and happiness.
Progress will be monitored through the Learning Disability Improvement Board, co-chaired by Dawn Wiltshire, who brings personal experience to the role.
The board includes people with learning disabilities and family representatives to ensure continued insight from those most affected.
Regular progress reports and case studies will be shared throughout the ten-year period, with full reviews scheduled at years three, five, and seven.