National Transitions to Adulthood Strategy for young disabled people: equality impact assessment

Background

Through the 2021 Programme for Government and First Minister’s Policy Prospectus published in April 2023, Scottish Ministers committed to introducing Scotland’s first National Transitions to Adulthood Strategy for Young Disabled People in the 2024/25 Parliamentary term. The Transitions Strategy was published on 30 June 2025. The Strategy aims to provide a joined up approach for all disabled young people as they transition into adulthood (age range 14-25) so they can experience a positive and supported transition to young adult life.

The Strategy adopts the Association for Real Change (ARC) Scotland’s definition of transition, and centres its focus on young disabled people between the ages of 14-25 who are making the transition to young adult life. This is in line with the evidence collated in the literature review that planning and support for this particular age group of young disabled people could be improved.

• ARC Principles into Practice – transitions should start early (therefore not waiting until fit definition of an adult) and at least two years before a young person leaves education;
• Process that takes place over several years, not a one off event.

The Strategy was developed with support from existing external stakeholder networks and internal Scottish Government colleagues. This reached a wide range of relevant and interested stakeholder groups.

The Strategy contributes towards the following National Outcomes:

• Children and Young People – We grow up loved, safe and respected so that we realise our full potential.
• Education – We are well educated, skilled and able to contribute to society.
• Healthy- We are healthy and active
• Human Rights – We respect, protect and fulfil human rights and live free from discrimination.