National Transitions to Adulthood Strategy for Young Disabled People - Easy Read

Why we need a strategy

When young people grow from children to young adults it is called the transition to adulthood. It is a growing up process. It takes place over many years with many different changes.

There is evidence that the planning and support for young disabled people who are making the transition to young adult life could be better.

In February 2023, the Scottish Government published a review of the literature on the experiences of young disabled people during their transition to adulthood.

We have also spoken with young disabled people, parents, carers and staff to develop this strategy. A strategy is a plan.

We have heard that experiences of transitions can include:

• Stress and uncertainty for the young person
• Difficulties moving from child to adult services
• Not enough planning or clear information

• Young disabled people not being listened to about their views, needs and hopes for the future

• Stress and difficulties faced by family members about the transition process.

That is why the Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) have come together to present ‘A Time of Change’- Scotland’s first National Transitions to Adulthood Strategy for young disabled people.

This is a plan of what we will do to help make things better for young disabled people as they make the transition to adulthood.