Welcome to the
Scottish
Learning Disabilities
Observatory
The Scottish Learning Disabilities Observatory was set up to generate evidence and build understanding of the causes of poor health and health inequalities experienced by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Alongside this we deliver a programme of world class, evidence informed research.
More about usHealth and care experiences
In this short film people with learning disabilities tell us about their experiences of health and health care.
News
SLDO to become leading research and teaching centre
We are delighted to announce that the Scottish Learning Disabilities Observatory (SLDO) and the University Centre for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) are merging. This exciting development will bring together multi-disciplinary researchers to form one of the UK’s largest research centres dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Read more about this here.
New study: 'My Diabetes and Me' - call for participants
Dr Maria Truesdale and colleagues at the University of Ulster are looking for participants in a new study looking health improvement for adults with learning disabilities and Type 2 diabetes.
The 'My Diabetes and Me' study aims to investigate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of the DESMOND-ID education programme for adults with learning disabilities and type 2 diabetes. The aim of DESMOND-ID is to support adults with learning disabilities and the people who care for them to learn about diabetes and about to stay health and well with Type 2 diabetes.
Here is an easy read information sheet about the study and how to get involved. If you are interested or you work with or support someone who would like to take part, please get in touch with Maria via email maria.truesdale@glasgow.ac.uk or call 07933 163 937.
This is Me: Valuing the lives of people with learning disabilities
We are collaborating with the Scottish Commission for People with Learning Disabilities, Down's Syndrome Scotland and Promoting a More Inclusive Society (PAMIS) on 'This is Me: Valuing the lives of people with learning disabilities'. This new campaign aims to increase public awareness of the experiences of people with learning disabilities.
Through a series of short films we aim to challenge stigma and discrimination and influence positive change. Find out more about 'This is Me' including how you can get involved.
Latest SLDO research
Reports & publications
We publish reports relevant to learning disabilities and autism policy and practice.
View our full list of reports and publications here.
Population profiles
Population characteristics
26,349
with learning disabilities
31,712
with autism
5,295,402
all people
Health
15.2%
with learning disabilities
37.4%
with autism
52.5%
all people
Housing and accomodation
11,886
Rented from council or housing association
8,927
Private ownership
2,203
Rented privately or living rent free
Employment and Education
12,098
Long term sick or disabled
2,460
in paid employment
1,975
students
1,934
retired
2,648
other
Family
53.3%
with learning disabilities
82.7%
with autism
78.3%
all people
Health and social care spending
2014/15
£250,188,001
Health care spending
£697,310,000
Social care spending
Other topics
Country of birth
25,599
with learning disabilities
30,689
with autism
4,926,119
all people
Language spoken at home
321
with learning disabilities
465
with autism
80,791
all people
Ethnicity
20,875
with learning disabilities
26,842
with autism
4,382,131
all people