Enable Elgin calls for Rights Now! with learning disability rights campaign
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MEMBERS of Enable Elgin are campaigning for new law to protect and promote the rights of people with learning disabilities.
The Rights Now campaign calls for further work to promote the rights of people with disabilities and for a commissioner role to be created to help uphold these rights.
Enable has been working with all the parties in the Scottish Parliament to raise awareness of their Rights Now! campaign and recently met with Moray MP Douglas Ross to share the campaign and their hopes for the Scottish Government's consultation on the bill.
The Scottish Government has now introduced a consultation on a Learning Disability, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill which includes a proposal for a commissioner role. Enable Elgin members also discussed at the event the response they will submit to the consultation, calling for a commitment to establish a Commissioner role which will ensure the rights of people with learning disabilities, autistic people and people with other neurodivergent conditions are respected and upheld.
Joanne Devitt, Chair of Enable Elgin, said: “We were pleased to have the chance to meet Douglas Ross MSP to discuss our Rights Now! campaign. For too long people with learning disabilities have not had equal rights in our society. We have fewer chances in education, to find work, and to have the support and social care we need. This needs to change and we need to have real equality for people with learning disabilities.
“We are pleased that we can now take part in the consultation on a proposed Learning Disability, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill today and members of Enable Elgin have stated their clear view we need a new law in this parliament to protect their rights and improve support.”
A survey of over 600 people for the Rights Now Campaign showed that people with learning disabilities still face many challenges. Of the survey respondents, 62 per cent have struggled with loneliness, access to social care and access to education, 58 per cent have struggled with access to employment and 54 per cent have found it difficult to access the social care support they need.
Douglas Ross MSP said: “Enable Elgin does great work for people with learning disabilities in our area and I was pleased have the chance meet with their members to discuss their important Rights Now! campaign. Having met with the group several times before, I know how passionate they are about supporting each other and advocating on behalf of people with learning disabilities in our area.
“It is vital we do more to ensure people with learning disabilities are better supported and receive fairer chances and opportunities in our society, including in education, employment and health. It is important the Scottish Parliament supports action which creates a better and fairer Scotland for people so well supported by Enable here in Moray.”
