Learning disability charity to reschedule Ayr public meeting
AN EVENT in Ayr this week aimed at giving local residents the chance to shape calls for proposed legislation to support people with learning disabilities has been postponed.
ENABLE Scotland had been due to hold the event at its base at Sutherland House on Prestwick Road today (Tuesday, November 1).
But the charity announced on Friday that the date for the ‘campaign meeting’ had been “pushed back due to extenuating circumstances”.
The organisation says the event will be rescheduled, and that a new date, time and venue will be announced as soon as it’s confirmed.
The event, when it happens, will be designed to collate feedback and evidence that will then go on to inform the charity’s proposals for the Bill.
Following a campaign from ENABLE Scotland members, the Scottish Government has announced that it will bring forward a new Learning Disability, Autism and Neurodiversity Bill (LDAN).
People attending the rescheduled event will be able to find out more about the proposed LDAN Bill and share their thoughts and concerns and ask questions about the protection of human rights and their firsthand experiences of the failings and challenges relating to the current system and the associated laws.
Jan Savage, director of ENABLE Scotland said: “For too long, people who have a learning disability have been Scotland’s invisible people, subject to poor attitudes and persistently poor public services where they have to fight for their rights.
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to bring forward legislation which secures people’s rights in law. It is so important that every voice of every person who has a learning disability is informing this process which is why we are inviting people with lived experience - as well as supporters from the local community - to come along, hear about the plans and have their say.
“We will ensure regular
“For too long, people who have a learning disability have been invisible”
updates, information on campaigning and actionable communications to MSP will be shared with our supporters as the Bill progresses through Scottish Parliament over the next two years.”
ENABLE has also launched a national survey for people to submit their views if they are unable to make it along to one of the local campaign meetings. The survey can be completed online at bit.ly/enableLDANsurvey.
Jan Savage, ENABLE Scotland