Glasgow Disability Alliance

10/02/2026

A week on from the first ever Cabinet Takeover by we've had time to reflect. As Tressa Burke said on the day, it was "a real landmark in our progress towards disabled people's greater equality": a significant step in what must be ongoing engagement between us and the Scottish Government.

Thanks to the First Minister and Cabinet for meeting DPO's, listening and committing to work with us. Targeted Actions and resources are needed to tackle disabled people's poverty and inequality so we can access services and take up opportunities, e.g. learning, working and participating in life.

The DPO network will work with the Scottish Government to realise commitments made in the . We will watch closely and hold the Scottish Government to account on behalf of members.

10/02/2026

In case you missed it, here’s the full BBC report from the Scottish Government Disability Cabinet Takeover last week. The PPP’s set the tone for the day with a performance reflecting on key issues for disabled people including social care, benefits and climate change. DPO’s then met with ministers to further discuss these issues to highlight the interconnectedness of the barriers facing us to participating fully.

09/02/2026

Hear GDA CEO Tressa Burke reflect on discussions at last week's Disability Takeover of the Scottish Government Cabinet and talk about the next steps for addressing the barriers and discrimination disabled people face.
Tressa explains why it is so essential disabled people are included and listened to in the design of services and supports if our poverty and inequality are to be overcome. Nothing about us, without us!

09/02/2026

Deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Jeane Freeman. She went above and beyond for disabled people and -she listened and believed us. Her commitment to making things better never wavered. A light has gone out but her legacy lives on.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c07xrgkprn5o

05/02/2026

Watch Glasgow Disability Alliance members, the and fellow DPOs on BBC Scotland in their segment about the Disabled People's Cabinet Takeover.

The 'Cabinet Takeover' was one of the actions from the recently launched Disability Equality Plan. We look forward to supporting the implementation of the rest of the actions. We will keep GDA members updated as this progresses.

04/02/2026

Yesterday, Scottish Government held its first Disabled People's Cabinet Takeover, which welcomed DPOs, including GDA along to talk about & share lived experience on the key issues facing disabled people in Scotland.

Hear GDA's CEO Tressa Burke on BBC Radio Scotland yesterday morning.

Listen to Tressa's interview with BBC Radio Scotland here: https://vimeo.com/1161772646?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

03/02/2026

03/02/2026

Today, disabled people made history.

In a European first, disabled people took over the Scottish Cabinet, placing our voices, expertise and lived experience at the heart of government decision-making.

The Cabinet was co-chaired by First Minister John Swinney alongside the CEOs of Inclusion Scotland, Glasgow Disability Alliance and Disability Equality Scotland. Disabled People’s Organisations worked directly with Scottish Ministers to produce the Disability Equality Plan to address the barriers disabled people continue to face across employment, health, housing, transport and access to public services.

Discussions focused on disabled people’s employment and tailored employability support, accessible transport, Adult Disability Payment, social care and mental health. This was about practical change, not token consultation.

Inclusion Scotland CEO Heather Fisken said: "Today’s event has given the Scottish Cabinet a real opportunity to hear directly from Disabled People’s Organisations about what needs to change"

This takeover showed what meaningful co-production looks like when disabled people are in the room and setting the agenda. The challenge now is turning today’s conversations into action.

Find the Disability Equality Plan here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/disability-equality-plan/



Image Description: A light green graphic features the Inclusion Scotland logo at the top. Large bold text reads: “Scottish Cabinet Takeover,” with the subheading: “Today, disabled people made history.” Along the bottom are three organisation logos: the pink speech‑bubble logo of Disability Equality Scotland, the dark purple Inclusion Scotland logo, and the multicoloured circular logo of Glasgow Disability Alliance (GDA).

03/02/2026

Social isolation and loneliness can affect anyone. Thanks to Derek and Sally from BDA Scotland for sharing their conversation.

02/02/2026

NHS 24 have launched a survey to help understand how much disabled people with a sensory loss or speech impairment know about NHS 24 services and what their experiences are. The survey closes on 28 February.

Here is a link to the survey: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=veDvEDCgykuAnLXmdF5JmonGQTLpAdZOrKwQ1ykwwm5UQU5LV0tFU05VNEg4VUZSTkJZTzVTWVFNRSQlQCN0PWcu&route=shorturl

An Easy Read version is available here: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=veDvEDCgykuAnLXmdF5JmonGQTLpAdZOrKwQ1ykwwm5UM1hINlZLMkxONEpWN1I1SDdJMlBLNTJGNCQlQCN0PWcu&route=shorturl

BSL users can email NHS24.EngagementTeam@nhs24.scot.nhs.uk if they would like to request a conversation with a team member and an interpreter.

01/02/2026

February is LGBTQ+ History Month!

Every year a theme is chosen for LGBTQ+ history month, and this year’s theme is science and innovation!

Science and innovation shape our lives, impacting technology, healthcare, and global challenges like climate change. Diverse teams are vital for creating inclusive solutions, but many struggle to recognize LGBT+ scientists. The 2026 LGBT+ History Month will celebrate their contributions and address historical harms faced by LGBT+ individuals in science.

29/01/2026

The 'Scam Share Bulletin' from Trading Standards Scotland gives information on the latest reported scams in your area. The information here is a good reminder to never feel pressured into making purchases or giving out your personal information- especially to those who call you out of the blue or show up on your doorstep. Legitimate workers and businesses will give you time to verify who they are and decide for yourself if you would like to engage with them. Click the link in their post to read more about it.

In this week's bulletin:

🗨️Insulation Assessment Scams
🗨️Emergency Locksmith Scams
🗨️Council Impersonation Scams
🗨️Banking Scam Emails
🗨️FCA Firm Checker
🗨️Digital Telecare Scams

Please read & share ➡️https://mailchi.mp/42b8d106dc70/trading-standards-scotland-bulletin-29-january