Disability Equality Scotland

03/04/2026

Happy Easter from Disability Equality Scotland! 🌸

Please note that our office is closed for the long weekend. We will reopen on Tuesday 7 April and respond to messages then.

Image description: A bright pink graphic with white text reading “Happy Easter! Please note that our office is closed for the long weekend.” The Disability Equality Scotland logo is at the top, with decorative bunting above and patterned Easter eggs in teal and white along the bottom.

02/04/2026

World Autism Acceptance Month starts today 💜

The Act Now for Autistic Rights campaign by the National Autistic Society Scotland is calling on all political parties to commit to introducing the Learning Disability, Autism and Neurodivergence (LDAN) Bill as soon as possible after the Holyrood election.

The Bill aims to improve support and outcomes for autistic people. This includes better access to diagnosis, mandatory training in public services, and stronger national and local strategies. It also aims to improve accountability, so people get the support they need.

We are pleased to support this important campaign and stand alongside autistic people across Scotland.

Find out more and take action
https://act.autism.org.uk/page/184311/action/1

World Autism Acceptance Month (WAAM) starts today! 💜

It’s time to come together, raise awareness and show solidarity. This year is especially important as it coincides with our Act Now for Autistic Rights campaign. We are calling for the introduction of the Learning Disability Autism and Neurodivergence (LDAN) Bill ahead of the Holyrood election.

The LDAN Bill can make a difference across education, diagnosis, healthcare and employment for autistic people.

WAAM represents a vital opportunity for autistic voices to be heard this election. So far, almost 3,500 letters have been sent to party leaders as part of our campaign, and we need more to ensure all parties Act Now for Autistic Rights in the next Parliament.

Send a letter to party leaders today 👇 https://act.autism.org.uk/page/184311/action/1

Access our resources to advocate for change 👇 https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/campaign/scotland

01/04/2026

Are you a small third sector organisation or community group in Scotland? Then our Easy Read training might be for you!

We have reduced the cost to make the training more affordable for small organisations. We want more people across Scotland to use Easy Read, and we are here to support you.

Easy Read is a fantastic way to provide clear, accessible and inclusive information.

This training course will run in May.

If you want to find out more, please visit our training website https://disabilityequality.scot/easy-read-training/ or email us at training@disabilityequality.scot.

Image description: Purple promotional graphic for Disability Equality Scotland. Text reads “Easy Read training for small Scottish third sector organisations and community groups in Scotland.” It says “Learn how to make your information clear, accessible and inclusive” and “Book now!” A photo shows a person using a laptop displaying the words “Easy Read.” A link is included for more information.

30/03/2026

The Scottish Parliament voted not to pass the Assisted Dying Bill following a detailed debate.

This is a complex and sensitive issue, with strong views around choice, dignity, safeguards and disabled people’s rights.

We will continue to follow this closely and ensure disabled people’s voices are heard.

Read more: https://disabilityequality.scot/news/update-on-assisted-dying-bill-in-scotland/

Image description: Purple graphic with the text “Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill” over a blurred image of the Scottish Parliament chamber.

26/03/2026

The Foundation Inclusive Communication Toolkit for Scotland launched this week!

As a partner organisation, we were really pleased to work alongside Communication Inclusion People and The Scottish Government on this important piece of work. The toolkit gives simple, practical guidance to help people communicate in ways that are clear, accessible and inclusive.

We were delighted to be joined by the Minister for Equalities, Kaukab Stewart MSP, who spoke about the importance of making communication accessible to everyone.

It was also great to hear from co-producers, whose experiences and insights are at the heart of this work and show why inclusive communication matters in everyday life.

You can view the toolkit here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/inclusive-communication-toolkit/

Alternative formats of the toolkit are also available.

Image descriptions:

Image 1 – A slide from the launch of the Inclusive Communication Toolkit called Practical. It explains that the toolkit is free, easy to use, co produced, and includes clear standards, ongoing improvement, and practical resources.

Image 2 - A split screen from the online launch of the Inclusive Communication Toolkit showing a British Sign Language interpreter and the Minister for Equalities speaking.

Image 3 - A slide from the launch of the Inclusive Communication Toolkit called Quick definition. It explains that inclusive communication helps more people understand and express themselves, across different ways of communicating and in different settings.

Image 4 - A split screen from the online launch of the Inclusive Communication Toolkit showing a British Sign Language interpreter and a speaker, Alan McGregor, sharing their experience.

Image 5 - A slide from the launch of the Inclusive Communication Toolkit showing the five modules in the toolkit. These are Introduction, Why it matters, Standards and indicators, Organisation level standards, and Individual level standards.

Image 6 - A split screen from the online launch of the Inclusive Communication Toolkit showing a British Sign Language interpreter and another speaker, Emma Pauley, taking part.

Image 7 - A screenshot of the Scottish Government website page for the Inclusive Communication Toolkit. It shows information about the toolkit and links to the different sections.

20/03/2026

The Foundation Inclusive Communication Toolkit for Scotland supports public bodies to improve how they communicate with people.

It focuses on everyday interactions, making them clearer, more consistent and more inclusive.

Launching 24 March 2026 – read our blog to find out more: https://disabilityequality.scot/news/coming-soon-a-new-inclusive-communication-toolkit-for-scotland/

Image description: A rectangular graphic with a teal background and a large white panel in the centre. At the top, bold text reads “Foundation Inclusive Communication Toolkit for Scotland.” Below this is a bullet-point list stating: enable easier communication between people and services; support all public services to develop consistent inclusive communication good practice; and deliver better outcomes for individuals, communities and services around Scotland. Some phrases, including “easier communication” and “inclusive communication good practice,” are highlighted in a darker red colour. At the bottom left is a simple black icon of three people with an upward arrow suggesting progress. On the bottom right are the logos for Communication Inclusion People and Disability Equality Scotland.

19/03/2026

The Foundation Inclusive Communication Toolkit for Scotland is launching!

Developed in partnership by Disability Equality Scotland and Communication Inclusion People, alongside a wide network of organisations and public bodies.

This online resource will help public bodies make communication with public services easier for everyone.
Save the date: 24 March

Image description: Graphic promoting the Foundation Inclusive Communication Toolkit for Scotland, launching 24 March 2026. Includes a calendar icon showing March 24, icons of two standing people and a wheelchair user, and logos for Communication Inclusion People and Disability Equality Scotland.

17/03/2026

How well is Scotland really doing on paid and unpaid care?

Whether you work in adult social care, early learning and childcare, are an unpaid carer, a parent, or advocating for better services – this new interactive tool is for you.

The Care Policy Scorecard tracks how care policies are performing across Scotland. It asks:

🎯 Are the right policies in place?
💵 Are they properly funded?
👥 Are they accessible to the people who need them?
🔍 Are they effectively regulated and monitored?

Crucially, it applies a gender lens, recognising that care work is highly gendered and that this shapes how it is valued, supported and prioritised.

Now available in an interactive digital format, you can explore key themes, understand how the scoring works, and see clearly where progress is being made, and where urgent action is still needed.

As members of the A Scotland that Cares campaign, this tool is an important resource to help make the case for better services and stronger care policy. Ahead of the Scottish Election in May, we hope it supports all parties to strengthen their commitments to improving care in Scotland.

Explore the interactive Care Policy Scorecard tool and read the full report: ascotlandthatcares.org/scorecard

Image description: A blue promotional graphic with large white text reading “Scotland isn’t making the grade on care.” Below, smaller text explains that Scotland’s first care policy scorecard is being used to understand how policy is performing. On the right, a person holds a tablet displaying a dashboard-style scorecard with charts and ratings. On the left are the logos for Scottish Women’s Budget Group and “A Scotland that cares.”

16/03/2026

Join us for an online consultation event with Transport Scotland this Wednesday (18 March), 11:00am–12:30pm.

Pavement parking can make it difficult for disabled people and others to move around safely and access everyday places. This session is an opportunity to learn more about the new restrictions and share your views and experiences.

Your feedback will help Transport Scotland better understand how pavement parking affects accessibility and everyday travel across Scotland.

If you would like to attend, please register using the link below. When registering, you can also tell us about any accessibility requirements.

Register here:
https://buytickets.at/disabilityequalityscotland/2079540

Image description: A promotional graphic with the heading “Cost of Living 2026: Share Your Views.” At the center is a person with arms crossed, surrounded by four thought bubbles showing different cost‑of‑living concerns: banknotes, a shopping basket with groceries, heating or energy bills, and a person receiving assistance with paperwork. In the bottom right corner is the Disability Equality Scotland logo.

Image description: Graphic with the heading “Share Your Views on Pavement Parking”. It advertises an online session on Wednesday 18 March from 11:00am to 12:30pm. The poster includes a photo of cars parked along a pavement and shows the logos for Disability Equality Scotland and Transport Scotland.

12/03/2026

Huge congratulations to Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans on their successful campaign! 🎉

After four years of campaigning, The Scottish Government has confirmed that free companion rail travel will be made permanent.

Free companion rail travel is here to stay!

After four years of campaigning by Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, the Scottish Government has made this vital scheme permanent.

This victory belongs to the veterans and supporters who spoke up to make rail travel fairer, safer, and more accessible for everyone with an Eye +1 card.

Read the full story of our campaign victory: https://sightscotland.org.uk/articles/blog/fair-rail-here-to-stay

[Image description: Three people sit together on a train. One person is holding up a travel card and smiling while showing it to the others. A purple banner at the bottom of the image reads “We did it!”.]

11/03/2026

Today is Young Carers Action Day 2026!

Young carers across Scotland provide vital care and support to disabled family members while balancing school, friendships and everyday life.

This year’s theme, Fair Futures for Young Carers, highlights the need to ensure young carers have the same opportunities to learn, grow and thrive as their peers.

In our latest blog, we explore how inclusive communication can help young carers share their experiences and be heard. We also look at the creative and accessible activities used at the Scottish Young Carers Festival. These activities helped young people talk about their wellbeing, support networks and the challenges they face.

Read the blog:

https://disabilityequality.scot/news/young-carers-action-day-2036/

Carers Trust Scotland

Image description: Banner for Young Carers Action Day with Carers Trust logo and the date Wednesday 11 March 2026.

11/03/2026

Join us for a free webinar this April!

Want to make your presentations and posters more accessible?

Disability Equality Scotland is hosting a free webinar on inclusive visual design on Thursday 2 April, from 12.30pm to 1.30pm.

We will explore accessible layout and design in PowerPoint presentations and share guidance on creating accessible posters.

Book your free place: https://a-qr.co/0001PSRTP

Or scan the QR code in the image (NaviLens accessible).