dual disability

At Ermha we are creating, and implementing, a specialist service model to support dual disability
clients that is adaptable and resilient, and is unique in its collaborative approach to service delivery,
review and revision.

Dual disability clients include people who are experiencing a mental illness together with an intellectual
disability. They may also have drug and alcohol problems, housing instability, complex behavioural
issues, physical disabilities and lack positive social relationships.

Ermha delivers effective support by providing continuing specialist support training packages for all
dual disability workers that feature

• a) Regular formal supervision
• b) Research, on an individual client basis, that provides workers with an up-to-date
  understanding of client presentations and ways to respond
• c) Formal and informal opportunities for staff to share knowledge and experience. This aspect of
  our reflective culture ensures that effective support strategies are widely disseminated.

When our support is matched with easier system navigation for clients and carers, better integration
between support services and tailored, goal-driven support, clients can expect to become more
independent and so support needs decrease.

The key to change for clients with dual disabilities resides in the client/worker relationship. The
relationship must be genuine with clearly articulated goals, roles and responsibilities. Ermha staff are
skilled in reflective practice and are prepared to challenge easy assumptions about clients’ abilities
and we are constantly creating new ways to respond to clients’ changing circumstances.