After fervent campaigning from disability organisation ENABLE Scotland, the Scottish government has committed to ensuring people with complex needs will be cared for closer to home and not in inappropriate hospital settings, in what has been described as a “landmark moment for the human rights of people who have learning disability in Scotland”.

Journalist and campaigner Michael McEwan reports for healthandcare.scot on the organisation’s recent campaign launch event which he says could give the next generation “a fighting chance to build their own future” – but laments the slow process of system changes.

During the past two years I've only gone to events online. Now, as the world is slowly reopening, events ae beginning to return to in person once again.I was recently asked to host a launch event by disability organisation Enable Scotland called My Own Front Door, to raise awareness that too many people with a disability inn 2022 still don't have their own home.

This campaign is crucial. However people shouldn't have to fight for what is a basic human right. That events like this have to be held means the current system is not working for people with a disability.

On the day there were around 300 people in the room, with  many more people were checking into the event remotely.

In the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow, we heard powerful stories from people with a disability, and also from also parents and carers, on why it's so important for people to choose their own home.

Theresa Shearer, CEO of Enable, advised:

"Enable Scotland’s My Own Front Door Campaign has shone a light on human rights emergencies hidden in plain sight. People who have a learning disability, someone's brother, sister, son or daughter, are forced far from home to ‘live’ in hospital or care home settings where they're uncomfortable, unhappy and traumatised. 

“I'm sure that reading this there will be shock to learn about this situation our fellow citizens find themselves in, sadly outwith their control. With this campaign comes the assurance that better is possible, and we see this every day at Enable Scotland. "

Charlie McMillan, Chief Executive of the Scottish Commission for People with Learning Disabilities (SCLD), said: "We're delighted to take part in Enable Scotland's My Own Front Door conference.  People with learning disabilities face a number of significant challenges in having the life they want, and many can find it difficult to live in their own homes without the right support.”

The conference heard from many people with learning disabilities and their supporters on what can be done to address this, with work to ensure that everyone can have "their own front door"

I spoke with some people at the event. They were all saying that we've a right to live where we want, and that it's distressing that system changes have been slow - that's the stark reality.

The Scottish Government Coming Home report, commissioned in 2018, laid bare the human rights infringements.

The report found that 705 adults with learning disabilities live out of area, which means they can't access essential support in their community, creating isolation and despair.

A total of 109 people were identified as a priority to return, meaning they don't want to be where they are placed.  Of these, 67 people are still living in hospital as there is no appropriate support available in their community.

Shockingly 22% of this group have been in long term care facility for more than 10 years.

It's crucial to raise awareness to effect change at top levels, so that the next generation has a fighting chance to build their own future.

As a long-term advocate for disability rights, I commend and am encouraged by this campaign.

Michael McEwan is a freelance journalist.

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