Ability Centre Support Service (ACSS)

The Ability Centre is based within Social Policy services. The Ability Centre Support Service provides a range of services and support, both within the Centre and in the community, to people with physical disability living in West Lothian.

What does the Centre do?

The ACSS provides a centre of excellence for services to disabled people. Within the centre each service user has an individual programme working towards their agreed goals and outcomes. This personalised approach supports service users to recognise and realise their full potential.

Work Experience

Work experience opportunities are available on the reception and cafeteria cash desk within the centre and other work experience placements are arranged outwith the Centre.  The B4 and On2 Work Service offers intensive, person-centred support to enable people to prepare for, and progress through an individual journey towards a move into sustained employment.

Brokerage Service

Through the Brokerage Service, individuals are supported to try a range of educational, leisure or volunteering opportunities in their own local communities.

Mission Statement

Mission: To provide a flexible, responsive service where the need of the service user is the impetus for continuous improvement.

To accomplish this the service will:
? Empower individuals using the service to maximise their involvement in all aspects affecting them
? Work with others to identify and respond to gaps in service
? Promote new and innovative developments
? Strive to create the conditions where service users, staff and volunteers can take a pride in being part of the Ability Centre Support Services

Vision: individuals supported by the Ability Centre Support Services will be empowered to be as independent and included in their own community as possible.

To accomplish this the service will:
? Establish a network of local contacts and links to community resources throughout West Lothian
? Listen to the voice of service users in identifying what community-based opportunities they wish to become involved in
? Provide a brokerage service and support service users into local services
? Work with service users to build their confidence to make choices
? Work with other service providers to reduce barriers in accessing service

Values: The service will value each individual enabling them to make choices.

To accomplish this the service will:
? Treat each service user fairly respecting their rights to make choices
? Support each individual to take risks where appropriate and to promote service user independence
? Liaise with other agencies, families or carers and advocates, where appropriate, on behalf of service users to assist them in realising their full potential and to ensure inclusion in their own local communities

How Can I Find Out More?

By dropping into the Ability Centre for a cup of coffee and informal chat anytime between 9-30 a.m. and 3-00 p.m. Monday to Friday.

By contacting Marlyn Young, Manager
Telephone  ?  01506-774066
E-mail ? marlyn.young@westlothian.gov.uk

West Lothian Ability Centre
Carmondean Centre Road
Livingston
EH54 8PT

By contacting the Physical Disability Assessment and Care Management Team on ? 01506-282252