MSPs investigate support for disabled people’s transition to adulthood

SHARE YOUR VIEWS WITH HOLYROOD COMMITTEE

MSPs are asking for the public to share their views on the support that is currently available for disabled children and young people as they grow into adulthood.

The findings will be considered by the Scottish Parliament’s Education, Children and Young People Committee as part of their scrutiny of a Bill which seeks to introduce more structured support for disabled children and young people in their transition to adulthood.

The Bill has been proposed by Pam Duncan-Glancy MSP, following on from work started by Johann Lamont in the last session of Parliament.

If passed, the Bill would make three main changes to the law:

  • the Scottish Government would need to have a strategy explaining how they are going to improve opportunities for disabled children and young people
  • a Scottish Government minister would be placed in charge of improving opportunities for disabled children and young people moving into adulthood
  • local authorities would need to have plans for each disabled child and young person as they move into adulthood

Sue Webber MSP, Convener of the Education, Children and Young People Committee said: “A young person’s transition to adulthood is a critical stage in their lives and our Committee wants to be sure that the right kind of support is available to help disabled children and young people as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.

“We want to hear the views of disabled children and young people, their parents and their carers on these proposals.

“We’re particularly keen to understand more about the how the support that is currently available is viewed.”

The Committee’s call for views and survey on the Bill opened on 1 September and people can share their views until 27 October 2022.