At Down’s Syndrome Scotland, we share the collective despair and frustration at the Scottish Governments decision not to progress with the proposed Learning Disabilities and Neurodivergence (LDAN) Bill.
Whilst we understand that legislation is not in and of itself a complete solution to all the challenges our community face; this Bill had the potential to create a level of commitment, structure and accountability that is necessary for the genuine and lasting change that people have a right to and have waited so long for.
In particular, we are profoundly disappointed that the many people who shared their lived experience as part of a consultation process over several years will not see the results of this work or feel any recognition for their input.
However, we feel for our community especially that the priorities and ambitions that underpinned this Bill must continue regardless as these priorities fully aligned with our aims at Down’s Syndrome Scotland. We remain steadfast in our commitment to ensure that people with Down’s syndrome have better access to good person-centered support, better health provision, better education and transitions planning, and the inclusion, opportunities and citizenship that everyone deserves.
We are confident that these aims are shared across the sector and in government. We stand ready to share our experience and expertise, amplify the voice of our community, and work collaboratively with committed partners across all sectors. It is important to ensure that the halting of this Bill does not negate the impact on the progress that must be made for every person with Down’s syndrome in Scotland to be fully valued and included in Scottish society. At Down’s Syndrome Scotland, we share the collective despair and frustration at the Scottish Governments decision not to progress with the proposed Learning Disabilities and Neurodivergence (LDAN) Bill.
During the consultation process, a Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP) was established and met over a period of over three years to ensure that the proposed Bill reflected the needs of people with disabilities. Andrew, a LEAP member, commented:
“I loved being part of LEAP and a group of like-minded people with the same purpose. I enjoyed talking about the large variety of subjects and researching the various topics which we covered. It gave me a determination to set things right for people with disabilities and where I saw injustice and inequality particularly for people with Downs Syndrome. The work we did in LEAP was intense, but good’. “I am upset and concerned about LDAN not being part of the Government Agenda, both for myself and for the Downs Syndrome community. I think this is a massive loss to our community and that all the good work which was done in trying to make things easier for people with disabilities will be lost”.
“I loved being part of LEAP and a group of like-minded people with the same purpose. I enjoyed talking about the large variety of subjects and researching the various topics which we covered. It gave me a determination to set things right for people with disabilities and where I saw injustice and inequality particularly for people with Downs Syndrome. The work we did in LEAP was intense, but good’.
“I am upset and concerned about LDAN not being part of the Government Agenda, both for myself and for the Downs Syndrome community.
I think this is a massive loss to our community and that all the good work which was done in trying to make things easier for people with disabilities will be lost”.
Signed: Emma Soanes, CEO, and the Team and Trustees at Down’s Syndrome Scotland