Inclusion Scotland

02/10/2026

Disabled people have been identifying barriers and sharing solutions for years. This week was about turning that knowledge into action.

We were proud to be part of the Executive Takeover 2026, bringing together disabled people's organisations and Scottish Government leaders to focus on breaking down systemic barriers and driving delivery of Scotland's Disability Equality Plan.

In opening the event, our CEO Heather Fisken highlighted the importance of listening to disabled people's lived experience and recognising the solutions that disabled people have long been sharing. The event provided an opportunity to explore how leadership, accountability and disability competence can help create lasting change.

Thank you to everyone who took part and contributed their expertise, experiences and commitment to building a Scotland where disabled people's rights, voices and choices are fully recognised.

Glasgow Disability Alliance Disability Equality Scotland



Image Description: Photograph taken at the Executive Takeover 2026 event. Heather Fisken stands at a lectern addressing attendees from a stage area in a conference room. Behind and to one side Permanent Secretary, Joe Griffin stands. Several audience members are visible from behind in the foreground, seated and facing the stage.

01/10/2026

We were pleased to contribute to yesterday’s Social Justice, Housing and Local Government Committee roundtable on social security.

Dr Pauline Nolan, Inclusion Scotland's Head of Participation and Policy, joined colleagues from Glasgow Disability Alliance, Carers Scotland, Carers Trust, Citizens Advice Scotland and Child Poverty Action Group in Scotland to discuss the impact of social security policy on people's lives.

Ensuring disabled people's experiences inform policy and decision-making remains essential to building a fairer Scotland.

🔗 Watch the discussion: https://www.scottishparliament.tv/meeting/social-justice-housing-and-local-government-committee-september-30-2026

1. Social security stakeholder roundtable – evidence The Committee will take evidence from— Tressa Burke Chief Executive Officer Glasgow Disability Alliance Fiona Collie Head of Public Affairs and Communications, Scotland Carers Scotland Emma Jackson Assistant Director of Policy and Research Cit...

30/09/2026

Your experience matters. Your voice matters.

Every day, local councils make decisions that affect disabled people's lives, from housing and transport to social care support, education, parks, leisure facilities and public services.

Too often, disabled people's views are missing from these conversations.
That's why we're asking disabled people across Scotland to complete our Council Election Priorities Survey.

Your responses will help shape Inclusion Scotland's Manifesto for Inclusion ahead of the 2027 local council elections. This is our opportunity to tell council candidates what disabled people want to see change in their communities and why those changes matter.

The more people who take part, the stronger our message will be.

Whether you've had positive experiences, faced barriers, or have ideas for how local services could work better, we want to hear from you.

📝 Take our Council Election Priorities Survey today: https://inclusionscotland.tfaforms.net/33

📖 Visit our website for more information and accessible formats including Easy Read and plain text. - https://inclusionscotland.org/have-your-say-on-the-future-of-local-council-services-in-scotland/

Closing date –13 November 2026

Please share with your networks to help us hear from as many disabled people as possible.



Image Description: A square graphic with a light green background and dark purple text. The Inclusion Scotland logo appears at the top centre. Large bold text reads: "The more voices we hear, the stronger our message". Beneath the text are four overlapping speech bubbles in pastel purple, blue, peach and pink, representing different voices and perspectives. Below the speech bubbles, smaller text reads: "Help shape Inclusion Scotland's Manifesto for Inclusion ahead of the 2027 council elections." At the bottom of the graphic, bold text reads: "Take our survey today". The overall design uses Inclusion Scotland's brand colours and highlights the importance of participation and collective voices.

29/09/2026

What should a Disabled People’s Organisation in Argyll and Bute look like?

Yesterday, Inclusion Scotland joined disabled people, DPOs and local stakeholders in Inveraray for the Help Us Build Argyll & Bute Disabled People’s Organisation event, organised by Self Directed Support Scotland.

Living in a rural area can create additional barriers for disabled people, including challenges around transport, accessing services and getting the right support.

Having a DPO in Argyll and Bute could help bring disabled people’s voices together, making sure their experiences are heard and creating a stronger collective voice to work together for our rights. It was fantastic to be part of this important conversation and hear from people across the area about what they want their DPO to be.

We look forward to seeing how this project progresses and offering support along the way.



Image description:
Two photographs from the Help Us Build Argyll & Bute Disabled People’s Organisation event in Inveraray. Disabled people, representatives from Disabled People’s Organisations and local stakeholders are seated around tables in a large meeting room, taking part in the event and watching presentations on a screen at the front. Papers, notebooks and refreshments are placed on the tables. In one photograph, a wheelchair user is visible among the participants. A bright pink Self Directed Support Scotland banner stands beside the presentation screen.

28/09/2026

Why does disability inclusion at work matter?

Disabled people continue to face barriers at every stage of employment. Creating a more inclusive workplace helps organisations to:
• Improve employee experience
• Access a wider talent pool
• Strengthen workplace culture
• Meet legal and ethical responsibilities

Many organisations want to create inclusive workplaces but aren't sure where to start.

Our CPD-accredited Disability Inclusive Employment training provides practical guidance to help employers take meaningful action. We also offer bespoke training tailored to your organisation's needs.

🔗 Learn more: inclusionscotland.org/training



Image Description: Disability Inclusive Employment Training infographic from Inclusion Scotland. The graphic states that disabled people face barriers at every stage of employment. It highlights four benefits of an inclusive workplace: better employee experience, wider talent pool, stronger workplace culture, and legal and ethical compliance.

A call to action states: “Turn good intentions into meaningful action. Learn practical approaches through our CPD-accredited online training or bespoke training tailored to your organisation's needs.” The graphic directs users to inclusionscotland.org/training for more information and includes a QR code labelled “Scan to learn more”. The Inclusion Scotland logo appears at the bottom right.

25/09/2026

We spoke with members of People First Scotland about their experiences of health and social care support and their reaction to the decision not to progress the Learning Disability, Autism and Neurodivergence (LDAN) Bill.

The experiences shared were stark. People spoke about not being listened to, services that aren't accountable, barriers to getting support, and systems that continue to overlook the voices of people with learning disabilities.

At the same time, the Scottish Government has confirmed it will not proceed with the LDAN Bill, despite years of engagement from disabled people who shared their experiences in good faith.

We're calling for:

• The right to appropriate support at health appointments

• The removal of restrictive eligibility criteria

• A Right to Needs Satisfaction

• Disabled people involved in decision-making at every level

• Greater investment in social care support

Read the blog on our website – https://inclusionscotland.org/have-you-ever-felt-like-a-burden-on-the-nhs/



Image Description: Three Inclusion Scotland quote graphics featuring the voices of anonymous People First members. The quotes describe experiences of being treated as less deserving of dignity and respect in healthcare, call for greater investment and inclusion for people with learning disabilities, and express frustration at the decision not to proceed with the Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence (LDAN) Bill after disabled people shared their lived experiences during its development. Each graphic uses Inclusion Scotland branding on a light green background.

25/09/2026

Following our recent membership research, we're making changes based on what members told us matters most.

This week, we're focusing on how we communicate.

You said...

You wanted more engaging and accessible ways to get information and stay connected with our work.

We did...

We're using more video content to help make information easier to access and engage with.

Recent examples include:
A video explainer to accompany one of our reports

Short videos introducing surveys and opportunities to get involved

We're also continuing to explore new ways to share information in formats that work for different people.

What this means...

You can engage with our work in different ways, whether you prefer reading, watching, or listening.

We're working towards communications that are clearer, more accessible, and more engaging for our members.

Keep an eye on our socials for video updates and visit our website to find out more: https://inclusionscotland.org/news



Image Description: A series of graphics from Inclusion Scotland's "You Said, We Did" campaign. Members asked for more engaging and accessible ways to access information. In response, Inclusion Scotland has increased its use of video and visual content, including report explainers and survey videos. The graphics explain that the organisation is working to provide information in a variety of formats to support different preferences and access needs.

24/09/2026

Interested in video editing, content creation, or a career in film and TV?

We're excited to share a new Junior Video Editor Internship with Ability Postproduction Academy through our Employment and Internship Programme.

Gain hands-on experience editing real projects, creating content for social media and websites, and building your portfolio with support from experienced industry professionals.

📍 Hybrid working (home and Paisley studio)
💷 £13.45 per hour

Closing date: 30 September 2026

This opportunity is open to deaf and disabled people who are passionate about developing their editing skills and taking the next step towards a career in content creation, film or television.

Whether you're a recent graduate, career changer, or self-taught creator, we'd love to hear from you.

Find out more, including how to apply: https://inclusionscotland.org/job-vacancy/junior-video-editor-intern/



Image description: A purple graphic with the Inclusion Scotland logo at the top. Below, bold text states: “Paid internships. Real experience.” and smaller text reads: “Supporting disabled people into meaningful work.” The graphic features two images: one of a person signing with their hands, and another of two individuals shaking hands in a professional environment. At the bottom, there is a call to action: “Explore our internship opportunities – www.inclusionscotland.org/get-involved/vacancies”.

24/09/2026

The Scottish Government's new Programme for Government sets out its priorities for the years ahead, but what does it mean for disabled people across Scotland?

Our Policy and Research Officer, Maia Pace, takes a closer look at the key announcements on social care support, housing, health, transport, education and more. The blog explores where progress has been made, where important gaps remain, and the changes needed to support disabled people's rights and independent living.

Read our latest explainer and find out what we think is missing from the government's plans: https://inclusionscotland.org/explainer-programme-for-government-what-it-means-for-disabled-people

Tell us below what you think should be prioritised.

On the 1st September 2026, the Scottish Government has published its Programme for Government. Here’s what it says and what it actually means for disabled people in Scotland. In this explainer our policy and research officer Maia Pace explains what was in the Government’s Plan for the next four ...

23/09/2026

Inclusion Scotland’s Policy and Research Officer Maia is wearing a black top and a lanyard and speaks directly to the camera in a vertical video. The background is pale peach with a graphic featuring partial text about council election priorities. Maia introduces Inclusion Scotland’s council election priorities survey and encourages disabled people to share the issues that matter most to them ahead of the local elections.

https://inclusionscotland.org/have-your-say-on-the-future-of-local-council-services-in-scotland/