As we get ready for Scottish Learning Disability Week, we are reflecting on the sad passing of Sir Robert Martin, a world-class leader and representative for people with learning disabilities. Sir Robert was a wonderful leader and a great role model, and he had a big impact on SCLD's work. He will be missed by many people.

Leaders like Sir Robert are needed more now than ever. People with learning disabilities across the world still face prejudice and discrimination daily. In Scotland and the UK, we saw headlines last week focussing on learning disabilities being detained in hospitals for more than twenty years and children being abused in trusted school settings. Tragedies like these are sadly reported on a regular basis. Indeed, SCLD is also committed to remembering Margaret Fleming and working to ensure that people with learning disabilities are able to live full, safe, loving and equal lives.

To achieve this it is crucial that we don't just hear these stories, but we take action to make sure they are not repeated. SCLD believes the Scottish Government's Learning Disability, Autism and Neurodivergence (LDAN) Bill will provide a significant step in addressing some of these human rights abuses, but no piece of legislation will be enough on its own. No one has human rights until we all have human rights. We must all do better now!

Scottish Learning Disability Week is a time to celebrate the achievements of people with learning disabilities. Let's join together, embrace diversity and show that different is possible!

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