Author Archives: Isla Thompson
Blog
Our Life Stories
At the heart of the complex disability history of the last decades are real people, each with a story to share. Our Life Stories is a first of its kind peer research project, co-produced by people with learning disabilities and autistic people, intended to document these stories authentically and preserve them for future generations.
19 February 2026
Statements
ADASS responds to DHSC’s announcement on working age adults
Our response to DHSC's announcement on above inflation increases for working age people
17 February 2026
Blog
Stepping forward: Becoming an ADASS Trustee bolstered my leadership skills, and it could do the same for you
By Melanie Williams, ADASS Immediate Past President and Executive Director – People Services at West Northamptonshire Council. As I approach the end of my year as Immediate Past President of ADASS, and prepare to step down from the Board of Trustees, it feels like the right moment to reflect on my journey with ADASS which began when I took on […]
13 February 2026
Blog
Care where we live
James Bullion, Assistant Director of Policy for the Casey Review at the Local Government Association (LGA), sets out why adult social care needs more than funding alone, and why councils must play a central role in shaping sustainable reform through the LGA’s new ‘Care where we live’ engagement series.
10 February 2026
Statements
ADASS policy statement: vision rehabilitation
This statement by the ADASS Physical and Sensory Impairment Network puts blind and partially sighted people at the centre to ensure that they receive the outcomes they need to lead independent lives.
10 February 2026
Blog
Ending homelessness: a crucial year ahead
The new national plan to end homelessness and rough sleeping is an important first step, but it fails to address some important issues for local authorities, writes Liz Zacharias, Director of Campbell Tickell.
9 February 2026
Blog
Beyond adaptations: why social care needs to unlock the full potential of occupational therapy
As adult social care looks to shift from crisis to prevention, occupational therapists have a vital role to play. Dr Anita Mottram, Principal Occupational Therapist for Kirklees Council, discusses why unlocking that potential requires not just funding, but time, trust and investment in the OT workforce.
28 January 2026
Blog
Why social care professionals are leading the way in purposeful AI adoption and what it means for the future of care
Drawing on research with nearly 300 health and social care professionals, our partners at System C explore why social care is leading the way in purposeful AI adoption, and what this means for the future of person-centred care.
16 January 2026
Statements
ADASS responds to DHSC’s Disabled Facilities Grant funding boost
Our response to DHSC's Disabled Facilities Grant funding boost.
13 January 2026
Blog
Why keeping care homes open matters: lessons from Covid-19 for local authorities and care providers
COVID-19 changed how care homes operate. This blog sets out why keeping them open matters and what local authorities and providers can learn.
9 January 2026