MSPs consult on support as disabled children turn adult

MSPs are asking the public to share their views on the support 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 & Young People Committee as part of their scrutiny of the Disabled Children and Young People (Transitions to Adulthood) (Scotland) Bill, a member's bill introduced by Pam Duncan-Glancy MSP.

Her bill seeks to introduce more structured support for disabled children and young people in their transition to adulthood. If passed, it 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; and
• local authorities would need to have plans for each disabled child and young person as they move into adulthood.

The committee is offering a short survey (also available in easy read form), and a detailed consultation  (also available in a British Sign Language version), available here, as ways to submit views. 

Committee convener Sue Webber MSP explained: "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."

Views can be submitted until 27 October 2022.