Welcome to the

Scottish
Learning Disabilities
Observatory

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The Scottish Learning Disabilities Observatory was set up to generate evidence and build understanding of the causes of poor health and health inequalities experienced by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Alongside this we deliver a programme of world class, evidence informed research.

More about us

Health and care experiences

In this short film people with learning disabilities tell us about their experiences of health and health care.

News

Launch of New eLearning Resourse: 'Understanding PBS'

The Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Community of Practice for Scotland are launching a unique new resource focused on PBS. This free and accessible online learning resource is the result of a collaboration between the Scottish Social Services Council and the PBS Community of Practice (https://www.scld.org.uk/our-networks/positive-behaviour-support-pbs/)

The new resource will be launched with an online event on 19th April being organised by the Scottish Commission for People with Learning Disabilities. There will be a range of speakers to talk about how PBS can improve quality of life for people with learning disabilities and complex support needs. And there will be an opportunity to see the resource and learn how to access it.  Further details and registration link for the event are available here.

SLDO to become leading research and teaching centre


We are delighted to announce that the Scottish Learning Disabilities Observatory (SLDO) and the University Centre for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) are merging. This exciting development will bring together multi-disciplinary researchers to form one of the UK’s largest research centres dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Read more about this here.

New study: 'My Diabetes and Me' - call for participants


Dr Maria Truesdale and colleagues at the University of Ulster are looking for participants in a new study looking health improvement for adults with learning disabilities and Type 2 diabetes. 

The 'My Diabetes and Me' study aims to investigate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of the DESMOND-ID education programme for adults with learning disabilities and type 2 diabetes. The aim of DESMOND-ID is to support adults with learning disabilities and the people who care for them to learn about diabetes and about to stay health and well with Type 2 diabetes. 

Here is an easy read information sheet about the study and how to get involved. If you are interested or you work with or support someone who would like to take part, please get in touch with Maria via email maria.truesdale@glasgow.ac.uk or call 07933 163 937.  

This is Me: Valuing the lives of people with learning disabilities


We are collaborating with the Scottish Commission for People with Learning Disabilities, Down's Syndrome Scotland and Promoting a More Inclusive Society (PAMIS) on 'This is Me: Valuing the lives of people with learning disabilities'. This new campaign aims to increase public awareness of the experiences of people with learning disabilities.
Through a series of short films we aim to challenge stigma and discrimination and influence positive change. Find out more about 'This is Me' including how you can get involved. 

Latest SLDO research

Reports & publications

 

We publish reports relevant to learning disabilities and autism policy and practice.

View our full list of reports and publications here.

Population profiles

Population characteristics

Number of people

26,349

with learning disabilities


31,712

with autism


5,295,402

all people


All population information

Health

Percentage of people with very good health

15.2%

with learning disabilities


37.4%

with autism


52.5%

all people


All health information

Housing and accomodation

People with learning disabilities in private households

11,886

Rented from council or housing association


8,927

Private ownership


2,203

Rented privately or living rent free


All housing and accommodation information

Employment and Education

People aged 16 and over with learning disabilities

12,098

Long term sick or disabled


2,460

in paid employment


1,975

students


1,934

retired


2,648

other


All employment and education information

Family

Percentage of people who live with a family

53.3%

with learning disabilities


82.7%

with autism


78.3%

all people


Health and social care spending

2014/15

£250,188,001

Health care spending


£697,310,000

Social care spending


Other topics

Country of birth

People born within the UK

25,599

with learning disabilities


30,689

with autism


4,926,119

all people


Language spoken at home

People speaking Gaelic or Scots

321

with learning disabilities


465

with autism


80,791

all people


Ethnicity

People who are white Scottish

20,875

with learning disabilities


26,842

with autism


4,382,131

all people