Easy Read: Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill: Consultation Analysis

General Themes

Strategies

Strategies are big plans with actions.

National and Local Strategies: Most people liked the idea of a national plan to cover all of Scotland. This might make things the same for everyone across the country.

Guidance: People thought that guidance would be helpful but would not be enough on its own. They said people with lived experience from different backgrounds should be involved in writing this guidance.

Some people thought that a plan is not enough to make the changes needed. There will need to be enough staff and money for the plans to work.

Most people thought it was important for people with lived experience to be involved in making all plans.

Mandatory training

Mandatory training is training that all staff must do.

People liked the idea of mandatory training for staff working in health, social care, education. They said there should also be training for staff in the justice system.

Some people wanted mandatory training for all staff in public services. This would include people with all kinds of jobs, not just people who talk with the public.

People had different ideas about what should be taught in the training.

Inclusive communications

Alternative ways of communication: Most people supported this. They thought it was important to have different ways of communicating so more people could access services and information.

A lot of people thought neurodivergent people and people with learning disabilities should not have to ask for an alternative. The council should automatically provide the right type of communication.

People said that councils should have to write reports about how communication needs are met.

Some people said an Accessible Information Standard for Scotland should be made. This would make clear rules organisations would need to follow.

People said that people with lived experience should be involved.

Data

Most people agreed with all of the ideas in this section. A lot of people agreed that one organisation, department or person should look after all the data.

Most people agreed that public bodies should have duty to collect data and provide it. A duty means that you must do it.

Most people agreed that there should be reviews of the deaths of people with learning disabilities in Scotland. They said it was important to look at experiences and learn how to make things better.

Independent advocacy

Independent advocacy can help people secure their human rights.

People agreed that all public bodies should give all neurodivergent people and people with learning disabilities information about independent advocacy services.

People said there is a need for advocacy services to help with difficult situations. But people were worried there might not be enough advocates for everyone who needs one.