By Pam Duncan-Glancy, Scottish Labour education spokesperson
Today the SNP-Green Government teamed up with the Tories to deny young disabled people a fighting chance at a future.
I brought this legislation because young disabled people and their families have been let down for far too long – left stranded without the support they need, denied their dreams and aspirations and ultimately set up to fail.
My bill was called ‘the biggest opportunity on disability rights since devolution’, the government has missed the opportunity and denied their rights as a result.
The SNP says we should wait and see if their approach works, but it’s been 7 years since they committed to a national transitions strategy and in that time thousands of disabled young people have been left to fall off a cliff edge.
Today’s vote is devastating, but if there’s one thing I know it’s that we don’t give up without a fight. We fought to get this far and make no mistake – disabled people will get back up and keep on fighting.
With this government, young people have no chance, with our bill, they’d have had a fighting chance.
Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland (SBH Scotland) provides support and expertise for families and professionals in supporting transitions. Lawrence Cowan, Chief Executive, said: “This vote will have very real consequences for disabled young people and their families.
“It will mean continued stress and heartache as they’re forced to fight for something so many people take for granted – the chance to be who they want to be in life.
“Disabled people’s independence and belonging matters. But for disabled young people and their parents, the transition through everything from education to adult healthcare creates needless barriers to their independence.
“Time and again they have to fight for the coordinated support they need. It’s exhausting, confusing and hugely isolating – it has to stop.
“We’re calling for urgent talks with the Education Secretary and party spokespeople to develop a clear plan and timetable for action to help give our disabled young people the best chance in life.”