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Fury as Disability Law is Rejected
SBH Scotland is calling for urgent talks with the Education Secretary and party spokespeople, after a Member’s Bill designed to better support disabled young people was voted down in Scottish Parliament today (23 November).
Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus (SBH) Scotland believe that Pam Duncan-Glancy MSP’s (pictured) Disabled Children and Young People (Transitions to Adulthood) (Scotland) Bill has “the potential to kick-start one of the most fundamental advancements in disability rights since Devolution”.
The Bill sought to make it a legal duty for the Scottish Government and local authorities to set out how they would coordinate support for disabled people under 26 years old, as they move into adulthood – a process called transitions to adulthood.
SBH Scotland are committed to improving the quality of life for individuals and families affected by their lifelong, complex disabilities. With a focus on providing support, education, and advocacy, the organisation strives to empower individuals, creating a better future for those living with these conditions.
New Chief Executive of SBH Scotland and father to a young disabled daughter, Lawrence Cowan said:
“This vote will have very real consequences for disabled young people and their families.
“It will mean continued stress and heartache as they’re forced to fight for something so many people take for granted - the chance to be who they want to be in life.
"Disabled people's independence and belonging matters. But for disabled young people and their families, the transition through everything from education to adult healthcare creates needless barriers to their independence.
“Time and time again they have to fight for the coordinated support they need. It's exhausting, confusing and hugely isolating - it has to stop.
“We’re calling for urgent talks with the Education Secretary and party spokespeople to develop a clear plan and timetable for action, to help give our disabled young people the best chance in life.”
To find out more about the importance of Transition Planning please visit our web page.
If you'd like to join us in lobbying for disability rights please email us. Alternatively if you have spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus and are planning for transitions through the healthcare and education systems we can provide support. Please email or call us Mon-Fri via 03455 211 300.
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