Inequalities and challenges experienced by disabled people in Scotland: evidence review
This evidence review synthesises available evidence on the inequalities (where comparable data is available) and challenges experienced by disabled people in Scotland drawing on research from the period 2019 to 2025.
Glossary
ADHD – Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder A neurodevelopmental condition affecting attention, impulse control, and activity levels.
Administrative data Information collected by institutions (e.g., schools, health services) during routine operations, used to measure disability prevalence.
Age-standardised statistics Adjusted data that accounts for differences in age structures across populations, allowing fairer comparisons.
ASD – Autism Spectrum Disorder A developmental condition affecting communication and behaviour, referenced in disability survey questions.
Co-ordinated Support Plan (CSP) A statutory education plan in Scotland for pupils with significant additional support needs.
Disability Equality Plan (2025) Scottish Government policy framework aiming to create a fairer Scotland for disabled people.
Economic inactivity A labour market term describing people not in work and not seeking work, often due to illness or disability.
Equality Act 2010 UK legislation defining disability as a physical or mental impairment with substantial, long-term adverse effects on daily activities.
Equality Evidence Strategy 2023–2025 A Scottish Government strategy to improve evidence collection and use for equality monitoring.
GROS – General Register Office for Scotland Historical name for the body now part of NRS, referenced in census documentation.
Harmonised Standards Agreed statistical definitions and survey questions designed to ensure consistency across datasets (e.g., disability measurement questions).
Individualised Educational Programme (IEP) A tailored plan for pupils requiring specific educational support.
Intersectionality Analytical framework recognising that overlapping social categories (e.g., gender, ethnicity, disability) create compounded inequalities.
Learning Disability A lifelong condition that affects the way a person understands information and learns new skills. It can impact communication, everyday activities, and independence. Distinct from learning difficulties (such as dyslexia), learning disabilities involve reduced intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviours, often requiring ongoing support.
Medical Model of Disability A framework that views disability primarily as a problem within the individual, focusing on diagnosis and treatment.
NatCen – National Centre for Social Research An independent social research organisation in the UK, commissioned to develop new disability survey questions.
NRS – National Records of Scotland The official body responsible for Scotland’s Census and demographic statistics.
ONS – Office for National Statistics UK’s largest independent producer of official statistics, responsible for collecting and publishing data including disability measures.
Self-Directed Support (SDS) A Scottish social care policy allowing individuals to choose and control the support they receive.
Social Model of Disability A framework that sees disability as created by societal barriers rather than individual impairments.