The  Scottish Commission for People with Learning Disabilities (SCLD) has launched a new app, ‘Human Rights Town’, designed to help people with learning disabilities to understand their human rights.   

The development of the app has been led by a group of people with learning disabilities who have been working with SCLD and digital design company, Publishing Bureau, to create the finished product.   

The app invites users to travel around a virtual ‘Human Rights Town’ where they encounter different scenarios at each location, such as using public transport or working at the supermarket.  

Through practical examples ‘Human Rights Town’ introduces users to several of their human rights under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and asks them to choose whether they believe their rights are being respected or not in each scenario. Users have the option of further explanation at each location. Each scenario has been voiced over by a person with a learning disability who has helped to develop the app.   

The app was launched on Monday 30th August at an online event. 

You can download Human Rights Town for free from  Apple App Store  and  Google Play Store. 

‘How to download the Human Rights Town app’ Easy Read click here.

Download the app user guide here.

The Human Rights Town App
Pic: Peter Devlin

What people are saying

 William, who attends Fortune Works (pictured) said:

“I feel that listening to the question being played and then answering it is easier as I have difficulty reading and having a voice speaking to me is helpful, plus I am learning right from wrong. The layout is easy to follow, and it is good that it has been made by other people like me. I am looking forward to using it more and helping others to use it in Fortune Works to understand their Human Rights.”

Aaron, a member of the App Development Group said: 

“Human Rights Town will empower people with learning disabilities to know about their rights – for a fairer Scotland!” 

Fiona, a member of the App Development Group said:

“If you a person with a learning disability who wants to know more about your human rights – this app is for you!”

Lindsay, a member of the App Development Group said:

“This app will give important information in an accessible way to people with learning disabilities and learning difficulties who often get left behind when new information about our human rights is produced.”

Charlie McMillan, SCLD’s Chief Executive said:  

“An app like this cannot come at a more important time for people with learning disabilities in Scotland. We know that, still, many people with learning disabilities are not able to access some of their most basic human rights. We’ve seen this most recently during the Coronavirus pandemic, where many people with learning disabilities experienced cuts to their social care packages which resulted in a loss of choice and independence in their daily lives.  

 The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) is due to be incorporated into Scots Law and this will mean that for the first time people with learning disabilities will have their rights enshrined in law. It is more important than ever that we make human rights real for people with learning disabilities in their communities.  

To make rights real we need to help people with learning disabilities understand their human rights under the UNCRPD, so they are empowered to stand up for their rights and advocate for the change they want to see. Our new app ‘Human Rights Town’ is a key step in raising awareness of human rights among people with learning disabilities.” 

More information

For more information please contact our Human Rights Adviser, Oonagh Brown or call 0141 248 3733.