ABSTRACT
Day service provision for learning-disabled people has been dominated by two ideas, both of which were central to the influential report of the National Development Group Day Services for Mentally Handicapped Adults. The National Development Group's report also made reference to 'special care' facilities within the day service setting. In addition to supporting those returning to local communities as a part of the hospital closure programme, day services have been an important factor in preventing admission to long-term care. The goal of supported living in ordinary housing is a reasonably clear and consensual goal for residential/homemaking services. To have reservations about the possibility of full supported employment for all learning-disabled people is not to deny that real work should be a central plank in the mission of daytime supports. The complex needs day service recognises that some people need carefully designed specialised supports.
