Hello everyone, My name is Isla McGlade.

I am a Learning Disability Nurse. I am the Professional Learning/Intellectual Disabilities and Neurodevelopmental Nursing Advisor to the Learning Disability Unit within Scottish Government and Professional Lead for Learning Disability Nursing (RNLD).  In my role, I provide professional advice from my clinical and nursing experience on all matters relating to learning disability, autism and neurodevelopmental conditions to help civil servants develop high quality advice for Scottish Government.

Learning Disability Week is important to me because it allows us to recognise people with learning disabilities’ strengths and the contributions each and every person makes to society.

It also enables us to raise awareness and an understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with learning disabilities, particularly around their health and wellbeing.

Through awareness campaigns and events, such as this, we can engage the public and challenge stereotypes that often surround people with learning disabilities. Learning Disability Week is a time to celebrate achievements and advocate for the rights and needs of those with learning disabilities.

Learning Disability Week is about engaging in conversations about crucial topics like accessibility in healthcare, accessing and participating in health checks, social care, education and employment. This is essential to ensure that people with a learning disability have the opportunity to thrive and participate fully in Scottish society.
Like all of us, people with a learning disability are unique and their contributions and abilities need to be further recognised and celebrated.

RNLDs role and function is to work in partnership with people with learning disabilities and their supporters to enable and collaborate with health and care services, third sector, and integrated services, private and public agencies to meet the evolving needs of a growing population. Registered Learning Disability nurses work with children, adults and older adults, their families/carers, staff and support teams and the wider workforce to enable each person to achieve their full potential and have a fulfilling life. Working collaboratively improves autonomy, promotes health and wellbeing and supports inclusion; enhancing lifestyles that help achieve the best health outcomes.

I support the key aims of Learning Disability Week in the following ways.

My work is dedicated to breaking down the barriers that people with learning disabilities experience, ensuring they have the support and opportunities they deserve. This is particularly true of health and social care services. Working with Scottish Government to produce better health outcomes involves collaboration and partnerships across various sectors. This can include improving public health policies and ensuring equitable access to healthcare services. It’s essential to engage people with learning disabilities and their families to identify areas that need improvement. By fostering partnerships and focusing on preventative measures, such as health checks, we can create effective strategies that lead to healthier lives for people with a learning disability.

Changing negative attitudes can be challenging, but it is definitely possible with consistent effort. I always strive to demonstrate positives in my own actions and words and model the acceptable attitudes. I actively listen to colleagues and encourage open and meaningful communication. I constantly ask questions of myself and encourage others to reflect and do the same. I offer professional advice and to colleagues and share and promote positive experiences.

Promoting Inclusivity and equality is vital and a human right. I aim to promote resources, policies and initiatives that encourage the participation of people with a learning disability to improve their health and ensure that everyone feels valued and included. Resources such as the three things card, reasonable adjustments and videos capturing people with lived positive experiences of health checks, launched this week demonstrate the importance of a Scotland where everyone belongs.

Supporting the development needs of the Learning Disability Nursing workforce and undergraduate RNLD students from the three universities commissioned to deliver Learning Disability Nursing, Edinburgh Napier University, Glasgow Caledonian University and the Open University is a key aspect. These developments focus on improving the well-being of people with a learning disability underpinned by inclusive practices, person-centred approaches supported by best evidence.

We are looking for the right people to become RNLDs and welcome school leavers and adult returners to consider this profession either via university degree routes or widening access opportunities. Knowledge, passion, commitment, drive, care and strength are key skills, look out for video’s shared this week by SCLD from our undergraduate and post graduate workforce demonstrating what a wonderful career Learning Disability Nursing is. Learning Disability Nursing: One Profession, One Ambition, Countless Opportunities.