People in Scotland are being asked to share their views on proposals to make ‘real, groundbreaking improvements’ to the lives of neurodivergent people and people with learning disabilities.

A consultation on long-awaited proposals for a Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill will remain open for responses until the 21st of April 2024.

The consultation includes proposals for more inclusive communications and mandatory training in the public sector to address the stigma and barriers people with disabilities often face when they access services.

Annual health checks, which are currently being rolled out to people with learning disabilities, could be extended to autistic people, and potentially people with foetal alcohol syndrome and ADHD, under the proposals.

Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport, Maree Todd, says it is ‘crucial’ Scotland gets the Bill right to make ‘real groundbreaking improvements to people’s experiences and outcomes:

“People with learning disabilities, autistic people and neurodivergent people make up around 15% of our society and many of them think and see the world differently. This shouldn’t cause them to be stigmatised and disadvantaged and the Scottish government is committed to ensuring that their rights are respected.

“This public consultation has been designed alongside people with lived experience, and we have worked closely with third sector organisations and support providers to ensure those who know the challenges best are at the heart of any action we take. I am keen to hear views from as many people as possible on our proposals. I am confident that, together, we can build a fairer Scotland for all.”

A lived experience advisory panel (LEAP), made up of 27 people with experience of learning disabilities, autism and neurodiversity, has co-designed the consultation.

A stakeholder panel and a practitioner panel were also involved in the work, including organisations and charities alongside a number of practitioners from groups providing support and other services.

Hannah Roussel and Jim Gault, LEAP co-Chairs, say they hope the public consultation marks a “significant milestone” on the journey to a more fair and inclusive Scotland:

“If we get this right, Scotland has the opportunity to become a leading light, not just in the UK, but across the world. We are grateful to the Scottish government for involving all of us on the LEAP so committedly, seeking always to place the voice of those with lived experience at the heart of this process.

“We on the LEAP are agreed that the status quo is not an option; there must be accountability, people with lived experience must be included, and what benefits us benefits all.

“We urge everyone to seize this unique opportunity to help define the Scotland we all aspire to build here and now, and for generations to come, by engaging with and responding to this consultation.”

 

Accountability & commissioners

The Scottish government in its consultation says it wants to put in place greater accountability for the protection of the rights of people with learning disabilities and neurodivergent people.

Scotland had been set to be the first country in the world to appoint a commissioner to champion the rights of people with learning disabilities and autism, supported by groups including The National Autistic Society Scotland, Scottish Autism and Enable.

However the creation of a new commissioner has been opposed by a number of organisations led by autistic people and its feasibility within budget constraints has also been questioned by MSPs.

The Scottish government now proposes that it could instead provide additional resources and duties for existing commissions, create champions within public bodies, better resource existing Disabled People’s Organisations and put in place more standards and guidance, as well as investment in co-production, to support good practice.

Members of the public now have seven weeks to tell the government what they think about all the proposals, through writing, audio, video and at events online and in person across the country next year.

Responses to the consultation will inform the next steps in developing the Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill.

 

Read more: New lived experience panel to advise government; New Disabled Children and Young People Transition Bill; Powerful new advocate for patient safety proposed; Fears learning disability champion no longer priority

 

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