Conference - Independence for People with Autism and Learning Disabilities

Join Us for a Day of Learning and Knowledge Sharing

We all want the same thing: to support people in living the most independent lives possible, but the path isn't always clear.

Budget pressures. Staff shortages. Rising demand. Complex needs. These are real challenges every commissioner, provider, and practitioner faces. What if there were approaches already proven to work that could help? Not theory or aspiration. Real examples from councils and providers who've found ways forward?

This conference and forum brings together people who are exploring how cognitive support technology can complement care, reduce over-reliance on human prompting for routine tasks, and create space for staff to focus on what matters most - genuine relationship-based support. You'll hear honest conversations about what works, what doesn't, and what we're all still learning. Because none of us has all the answers, but together we're building the picture.

Why do we readily offer technology to help older adults maintain independence, but hesitate when autistic adults or people with learning disabilities could benefit from the same approach? What's behind that difference?

How do you identify who might thrive with technology support? What questions reveal potential? OTs will share frameworks they use that balance thoroughness with the reality of caseload pressures.

Funding pathways. Risk anxiety. Procurement complexity. We'll name the barriers honestly and explore how some services are finding ways through them.

When technology handles predictable routines - Medic*tion prompts, appointment reminders, and daily structure. What becomes possible? Providers will share evidence on cost avoidance and staff retention.

The Care Act calls for independence as a core wellbeing outcome. How do we move from that principle to practice? What does dignity look like when someone can say "I did this myself"?

Technology sitting unused. Staff unsure how to support it. Service users overwhelmed. We'll look at why good intentions sometimes don't translate to good outcomes and what makes the difference.

Commissioners

LA commissioners exploring new approaches to meeting needs sustainably, looking for evidence-based alternatives, and wanting to connect with peers navigating similar challenges

Care providers

Service managers and executives exploring how technology could support better outcomes, address staff retention challenges, and create capacity for meaningful care relationships

OTs & Practitioners

Occupational therapists and social care assessors looking for practical frameworks, evidence-based approaches, and peer support for introducing technology in their practice

Sector Organisations & Charities

Representatives from national charities, advocacy organisations, professional bodies, and sector influencers shaping policy and practice in learning disability and autism support

Info: Meet fellow attendees

Info: With 50 years of experience across 14 countries, we will share our learnings across continents that enables independence versus technology that creates dependency

Info: The Right to Try - Independence, dignity, and closing the gap between policy and practice

Info: What happens between 'we should try this' and 'this is actually working'

Info: From Assessment to Reality - hosted by Charlotte Downing with Dr Carly Jones, Amanda Shelvey, Alex Goff, PA Consulting (TBC), Somerset Commissioner

Info: Practical tools and framework discussions on your tables

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Abilia UK