A proposed law creating new rights for young people with disabilities has got the backing of enough parliamentarians for it to be taken forward in the Scottish parliament.

The Disabled Children and Young People (Transitions to Adulthood) (Scotland) Bill aims to give every disabled child or young person a right to a statutory transitions plan and whatever support they need, for as long as they need it up until their 26^th birthday.The bill is being put forward by Labour Glasgow MSP

If enacted, it would also require the Scottish government to introduce a statutory national transitions strategy to improve outcomes for disabled children and young people, and require the Scottish government to appoint a minister with special responsibility for transitions.

A total of 59 MSPs from all political parties confirmed their support for the bill, far exceeding the necessary 18 backers from two parties who needed to have confirmed their backing for the bill by the middle of last week.

The bill also has the support of learning disabilities charity Camphill Scotland and disabled people’s organisation Inclusion Scotland.

Pam Duncan-Glancy said:

“The measures that this bill outlines are vital to address the challenges that young disabled people too often face when they leave school.

“Young disabled people are twice as likely to be not in education, employment or training when they leave school than non-disabled people, and the disability employment gap is 32%.

“It is crystal clear that we need to do far more to give young disabled people a fighting chance at future than we are right now.

“I know how hard my own transition experience was, my family were forced to become project managers in our own lives, and I know that too many young disabled people still face that reality today.

“Young disabled people have been held back for far too long. That’s why this bill is so important, and I hope we get it through parliament and ensure the support that young disabled people so desperately need.”

Camphill Scotland’s Director, Emma Walker, said the news brings new hope to families of young people with disabilities:

“This is a huge step, and we are delighted with the support from MSPs from across all parties. Young disabled people across Scotland deserve a positive transition into adulthood, opportunities to access work and further education, and a legal right to support when needed.

“Now that Pam has secured the introduction of this Bill to parliament we are hopeful that families in the not-so-distant future will no longer have to fight for their child’s access to these rights.”

Senior Policy Advisor at Inclusion Scotland Bill Scott said the legislation is essential to close the employment gap:

“We welcome the incredible level of cross party support for the Transitions Bill.

“This legislation will provide support when it’s needed most to young disabled people facing the difficult transition between school and adult life. That support will be vital in reducing the huge employment gap between non-disabled people, 80% of whom are in work and disabled people, less than half of whom work.

“We look forward to working with Pam Duncan-Glancy to successfully steering her Bill through Parliament.”

The Bill was introduced in a previous session of the Scottish parliament by Johann Lamont MSP, but failed when there was not enough time to complete the legislative process before the Scottish Parliamentary elections.

Full details of the Bill are on the Scottish parliament website.

 

Read More: New rights bill for young disabled Scots; Fifty years of learning disability advocacy; Young people help write epilepsy guidance.

 

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