Young people with disabilities

Young people with physical or learning disabilities are more likely to come into regular contact with health services than other people their age. However, research has shown that they may experience discrimination in accessing services and receiving the treatment they need, particularly if it is related to their general health.

For example, people with learning disabilities may not even be offered the routine checks that are offered to other people. However, many people with a learning disability will be able to make decisions about their treatment if the information is presented clearly, and they should be supported to do so whenever possible.

It is important not to make assumptions about an individual young person's disabilities, and to adopt the right tone and language in all written and verbal communications.

The disability strand of NHS Health Scotland's Fair For All work aims to tackle health inequalities linked to disability. In partnership with The Royal College of GPs, it has produced a useful tip card on disability that can be downloaded from the resources section on this page.