Views are being sought on proposals to better protect, respect
and champion the rights of people with learning disabilities,
autistic and neurodivergent people.
The Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill
consultation includes proposals that would provide benefits in
many areas of life, including more inclusive communications and
mandatory training in the public sector to address the stigma and
barriers people often face.
Mental Health Minister said:
“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.”
Hannah Roussel and Jim Gault, Lived Experience Advisory Panel
(LEAP), co-Chairs said:
“This public consultation marks what we hope will be a
significant milestone on the journey towards the fair and
inclusive society Scotland aspires to be. 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.”
Background
Learning Disabilities,
Autism and Neurodivergence Bill: consultation
The consultation will run from today for over 17 weeks, closing
on 21 April 2024. The publication of the consultation delivers on
the Scottish Government commitment to consult on the Bill by the
end of 2023.
Scoping work for the Bill took place during 2022, with an
analysis of that work published in February this year. The Bill
consultation has been developed with a human rights-based
approach and co-designed with people with lived experience.
The consultation has been co-designed with the LEAP, including up
to 27 people with lived experience of various conditions
including learning disabilities, autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Down
Syndrome, and others.
A Stakeholder Panel and a Practitioner Panel were also involved
in preparing the consultation, which included organisations and
charities representing the views of a wide range of people and a
range of practitioners from organisations providing support and
other services.
