The Fraser of Allander Institute is delighted to be starting a new year-long research project examining the relationship between adults with learning disabilities in Scotland and economic outcomes for them and their families.
As the team started this work, it has become clear that this is a severely under-researched area in Scottish economics and one that is often overlooked in mainstream economic policy discussions.
From labour market outcomes to social security, support services to healthcare, as well as the impact on families, carers and communities, the outcomes for people with learning disabilities can be seen as a bellwether for how Scotland is progressing towards an inclusive wellbeing economy.
What do we hope to achieve?
Despite the prevalence of learning disabilities, the team has been taken aback by how little the challenges people and their families face – as well as the opportunities available to them – is part of general economic discourse or economic policy debates.
Knowledge Exchange Associate Robert Watts said, “We want to help change perceptions and facilitate more discussion about the lives of people with learning disabilities. We want to establish more facts and gain a deeper understanding of the support and opportunities facing this group. This can be used to aid evidence-based policy making that can make change possible.
“This research project will cover a broad range of issues affecting the lives of adults with learning disabilities. Alongside our own research and modelling, we’ll be learning directly from both individuals and families to gain an insight into their real-world experiences.”
The team is keen to bring in new voices, so please get in touch if you’d like to contribute, or visit fraserofallander.org/learning-disabilities to see reports, blogs and podcasts.