Health and Social Care

The Keys to Life: Scotland’s Learning Disabilities Strategy

July 1, 2015 by Linda White No Comments | Category Uncategorized

On the 18 June 2015, the Scottish Parliament hosted “Fairer Scotland – Celebrating the talent of people with learning disabilities in Scotland”. The event, highlighted  performances from the creative arts across Scotland, including “The Fridays”, a music group from Hazelwood School in Glasgow; Indepen-dance, and also artists from “Project Ability”.

At the event, Jamie Hepburn, Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health, said “… our vision is that every person in Scotland who has learning disabilities, has the right to live longer, healthier lives; be supported to Participate fully in all aspects of society; Prosper as individuals and be valued contributors to a Fair and equal Scotland.”

This vision is highlighted in the refreshed delivery approach to Scotland’s learning disabilities strategy – The Keys to Life. The delivery approach focuses on outcomes for individuals with learning disabilities, their families and carers and identifies four strategic outcomes:

• A Healthy Life: People with learning disabilities enjoy the highest attainable standard of living, health and family life
• Choice and Control: People with learning disabilities are treated with dignity and respect, and protected from neglect, exploitation and abuse
• Independence: People with learning disabilities are able to live independently in the community with equal access to all aspects of society
• Active Citizenship: People with learning disabilities are able to participate in all aspects of community and society

The Scottish Government has identified key themes and priorities for delivery in 2015-17 which relate to each of the strategic outcomes. These themes and priorities will assist Health Boards and Integration Authorities, in partnership with local service providers, to plan for and commission services that achieve the outcomes that people with learning disabilities tell us is important to them.

The Learning Disabilities policy team in the Care, Support and Rights Division within Scottish Government will continue to work collaboratively with people with learning disabilities, families, carers, other policy teams and strategic and delivery partners in the statutory and third sectors in the coming years.

View the refreshed delivery approach: ‘The Keys To Life’ Implementation Framework and Priorities, 2015-17.

Photographs courtesy of Fraserband Photography.

Contact:

Linda Allan, Honorary Clinical Associate Professor, Professional Advisor – Learning Disabilities Policy, Care, Support & Rights Division, Population Health Improvement Directorate, Scottish Government.

Tel: 0131 244 0109 Email: Linda.Allan2@scotland.gsi.gov.uk.

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