National Autistic Society Scotland, ENABLE Scotland and Scottish Autism have launched the ‘Our Voice Our Rights’ Campaign calling on the major political parties to commit to a Commissioner for autistic people and people with a learning disability at the forthcoming Scottish Parliamentary election.

While there have been many ambitious and well-intentioned strategies over the years from Scottish Government and partners, we hear day in day out how too many people are struggling to access much needed support in education, work, health care as well as social care and support within the community.

Many individuals and their families are exhausted from fighting tooth and nail to get the much-needed support and status as equal citizens. A fight that sadly, they often lose, leaving many in crisis.

In the lead up to the Scottish Parliamentary Elections in May 2021 the three charities are standing together with autistic people and people who have a learning disability to say ‘enough is enough’ and calling on all the major political parties in Scotland to commit to a Commissioner to ensure real change.

The Commissioner would be a powerful voice, improving access to services and advocating on people’s behalf when they cannot and importantly helping people have the choice and control to live a good life, free from discrimination.  

A website is now live with a series of videos featuring people from across Scotland making the case for change. People can support the campaign by visiting the website and contacting the party leaders to include a Commissioner for autistic people and people with a learning disability in their election manifestos. 

Visit: www.OurVoiceOurRights.org

Find press release here.