Scottish Learning Disability Week 2026

Story by Amy Gillan, Student Social Worker

What is Scottish Learning Disability Week?

Scottish Learning Disability Week is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of individuals with a learning disability while sharing their lived experiences. Alongside this, it is a chance to highlight practice which is inclusive and respectful.

Learning disability week is also a chance for the wider community to learn about the challenges people with disabilities face meaning barriers and unfair attitudes can be broken down to create a society which promotes respect, equality and diversity.

This year’s theme focuses on: ‘I am here... to be seen’. This is based on many individuals not receiving the same level of support in several settings such as in education and healthcare with their voices not always heard when decisions are made.

This is not only a week that is recognised nationally but one which is recognised and celebrated within Scotland and therefore the information shared during this week is relevant in our local communities.

On thinking about community, it is particularly important for Inverclyde to raise awareness and celebrate this week based on the 2022 Health, Disability and unpaid care census report. This report shared 24.7% of individuals in Inverclyde live with a disability or long-term health condition. With this being above the average for Scotland it is important that we as a community recognise the importance of challenging barriers and promoting positive change in our society.

Organisations which work within the local health and social care sector play a vital part in providing inclusive support to people within our community. A few of these organisations include Turning Point Scotland, Key Housing and Parklea Branching Out. These organisations will be contributing to this year’s Learning Disability Week through giving valuable insight into their work. You can keep up to date with each organisation’s activities for the week on their social media channels.

Lastly, Inverclyde Life is a valuable resource for those looking to find local events, activities or groups within the local area. With a particular section focusing on inclusive services for those with disabilities. This can be found within the Equalities and Inclusion Services: Disability section of the Inverclyde Life website.

How can you get involved?

If you would like to be involved in Learning Disability week there are several ways an individual or an organisation can get involved including hosting an event such as a coffee morning, taking part in local events or workshops.

With local organisations such as Turning Point Scotland and Parklea Branching Out hosting events, this is also a great opportunity to get involved.

You can also get involved and share awareness by sharing posts on Scottish Learning Disability Week to social media. This ensures this year’s theme ‘I am here… to be seen’ is reached across as many networks and communities as possible.