A team of university researchers from across the UK are looking for people with learning disabilities to take part in a new study about their experiences during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The team is led by Professor Chris Hatton (Manchester Metropolitan University) and Professor Richard Hastings (University of Warwick). Professor Andrew Jahoda (University of Glasgow) is leading the Scottish part …
2020 has been a tumultuous year for all of us. The Coronavirus Pandemic has presented considerable new challenges that SCLD and PAMIS believe have disproportionately impacted all disabled people, including people with learning/intellectual disabilities. Despite this, there have been some opportunities for hope including Scotland’s ongoing commitment to becoming a children’s rights respecting nation. We continue to see considerable steps …
Scotland is currently in Phase 3 of the routemap out of lockdown. ‘Phase 3’ sets in motion an easing of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown restrictions that Scotland has been subject to since March; however the Coronavirus infection rate is now rising again in Scotland. The Scottish Government’s message is ‘Stay safe, protect others, save lives’. Scotland moved to Phase 3 of …
Our Evidence & Research Officer, Ruth Callander, writes about how the COVID-19 pandemic has thrown what is really important to people with learning/intellectual disabilities into ever sharper focus… Coronavirus swept into our lives like a tidal wave, turning them upside down, and confining us to our homes. At SCLD, we very quickly adapted our ways of working; video calls and …
Since the Coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown began in March, SCLD has been considering the impact on people with learning/intellectual disabilities and our response. To help us do this, SCLD created two surveys, one for people with learning/intellectual disabilities and one for their parents, carers and supporters. The surveys were distributed during April – May 2020 and collected 350 responses; 127 from people with learning …
Neil, a man with a learning disability and multiple long-term health conditions, tells us of his experience of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and what he thinks needs to change to make things better for people with learning disabilities. My name is Neil, I am a man living in Scotland. I have learning disability, dyslexia, type 2 diabetes, and asthma. I live …
SCLD’s Engagement & Influencing Manager, Kenneth Fleming, writes about why holding Scottish Learning Disability Week is more relevant now than ever in this time of global crisis… “On one level, it seems strange to be thinking about an awareness week with a focus on the environment, when our environments are smaller than ever. It is odd to think about coming together to celebrate the …
SCLD’s Policy & Implementation Officer Oonagh Brown writes about the risk to the human rights of people with learning disabilities during the COVID-19 emergency… Over the last few weeks, there have been concerns expressed across the UK by disabled people and those who represent them about how decisions will be made concerning disabled people’s health care and treatment during the Coronavirus emergency. It is also becoming clear that …
In response to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) emergency in Scotland, the Scottish Commission for people with a Learning Disability (SCLD) has written a statement outlining our response to the crisis from a Human Rights perspective. You can read the full statement here. Please contact us if you have any queries regarding this statement.
