Summary

AiLN is an organisation concerned with promoting the Social Model of Disability and providing help and advice to those disabled people in Ayrshire who wish to take control of the arrangements for their physical care by using Direct Payments and/or monies from the Independent Living (1993) Fund.

Ayrshire Independent Living Network evolved from a group of disabled people who were all members of the South Ayrshire Forum on Disability (SAFD). These people got together and formed a “user led organisation” (“user led” means the management committee are people with disabilities). This was called Personal Assistants Employers in Ayrshire (PAENA) and offered support and advice on Direct Payments to disabled people in Ayrshire.

In 1998 PAENA received monies from North & South Ayrshire Council, Awards for All, European Social Fund, as well as free office accommodation from North Ayrshire Council.

The group developed and in April 2000 formed a management committee of 7 members within which are office bearers Chairman, Vice-Chair, Secretary and Treasurer. The group was renamed Ayrshire Independent Living Network and registered as a charity, which opened up the possibility of applying for grants to further the aims and objectives of the organisation.

Growth and Achievements

Over the past Eight years AiLN has grown as an organisation, now employing a F/T Direct Payment Support Worker and 2 P/T Payroll Officers. AiLN now operates out of one large office, based within the Independent Living Service, Pavilion 9, Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.

AiLN continues to be led by a committee of dedicated volunteers, who are all disabled people. Additionally, other volunteers make an invaluable contribution to the running of the organization.

AiLN has successfully achieved, and exceeded, all the goals it set for the initial three year period.

• Providing information and advice in accessible premises;
  
• Developing a payroll service;
  
• Providing training for employers;
  
• Providing help with the recruitment of Personal Assistants;
  
• Holding an Information Day & providing information in rural and urban areas.
  
• Sending out Quarterly Newsletters
  
• Holding Quarterly Members Days
  
  

The Future

Ayrshire Independent Living Network is currently seeking funding for:-

• maintaining and strengthening the current operation;
  
• additional resources to operate an Ayrshire wide outreach programme;
  
• the technology necessary to facilitate the wider participation programme for members who are unable to come to meetings and events.
  

In the long term AiLN wants to use its experience and expertise to create a Centre for Independent Living in Ayrshire, further funding is sought to prepare the way for such a Centre.