Scottish Learning Disabilities Observatory
Based at the University of Glasgow, our research is focused on the health and wellbeing of people with learning disabilities & the health & social inequalities they experience #research #healthinequalities
Find out more at www.sldo.ac.uk
- Our #LearnTogether workshop is in full swing this morning. Huge thanks to our brilliant panel for sharing their experiences - good, bad & the full spectrum in between- of community engagement, good practice and learning from challenges & barriers.
- Now we have Zara @uofgpe.bsky.social talking us through what #LearnTogether is about
- January is Cervical Cancer Awareness month. People with #learningdisabilities are underrepresented in #cancer screening programmes. Researchers @uofgshw.bsky.social are looking at the barriers that may prevent people accessing screening & ways to improve this. Find out more via bit.ly/4pH2nXR
- 1. We would like to say thank you to everyone who has engaged with, supported or participated in our research activities throughout 2025. Last week we marked 25 years of #learningdisabilities research @glasgow.ac.uk @uofgshw.bsky.social alongside partners & collaborators at our conference.
- 2. Here's to many more years of working in partnership! 🤝We have a busy year ahead where we will continue working together to improve the health and wellbeing of people with #learningdisabilities. We'll be quiet online until early January. Wishing everyone a peaceful and healthy festive season.
- Next up we have Michael McEwan and Arlene McGarty to talk about their co-produced research about healthy lifestyle behaviours for people with #learningdisabilities. We’ll hear their findings on what are the barriers and supporting factors to make healthy lifestyle choices.
- Great to have Jenny Miller from @pamis-scotland.bsky.social alongside Katrina Bannigan talking about #BeatIt2 - a behavioural activation approach to support people with profound learning disabilities who experience depression, led by Prof Andrew Jahoda et al @uofgshw.bsky.social
- Great to hear about the Future Friendships programme with @arcscotland.bsky.social, co-developed with people with lived experience to support friendships for young people with a learning disability across the transition from secondary school
- Reposted by Scottish Learning Disabilities ObservatoryAppreciate our partnership with @uofglasgowsldo.bsky.social & the ability to extend @talkingmats.bsky.social into #cancerscreening . Looking forward to finding out how the resource we jointly developed has been used by screening practitioners in Glasgow #learningdisabilties #healthinequalities
- Great to hear from our Director @debcairns.bsky.social on some of the ways working in partnership has helped to influence change to improve the health & wellbeing of people with #learningdisabilities
- Now up we here from @debcairns.bsky.social and Prof Yang Wei at Nottingham about their innovative new tech to improve breast screening- the Smart Bra
- Now we are hearing from @cpac00.bsky.social about her research into pain and pain medication for people with #learningdisabilities
- Great to hear from our Director @debcairns.bsky.social on some of the ways working in partnership has helped to influence change to improve the health & wellbeing of people with #learningdisabilities
- Kicking off our conference we have Prof Andrew Jahoda giving a whistle-stop tour of the history of 25+ years of #learningdisabilities research @uofgshw.bsky.social
- Great to see some of our projects from the last few years back up in the @byreshub.bsky.social ahead of our conference tomorrow. We’ll be marking 25 years of #learningdisabilities research @uofgshw.bsky.social & celebrating partnership & collaboration along the way. @debcairns.bsky.social
- Reposted by Scottish Learning Disabilities ObservatorySee below opportunity to participate in a delphi survey on eating ,drinking difficulties of people with learning disabilities. Led by @edinburghnapier.bsky.social in collaboration with @susanguthrieslt.bsky.social @uofglasgowsldo.bsky.social @nhsforthvalley.bsky.social @bronwynhemsley.bsky.social
- We've been quiet online lately but busy behind the scenes! Today @uofgshw.bsky.social we're hosting collaborators from the University of Agder, Norway, sharing research & knowledge about #autism, #mentalhealth, #learningdisabilities, #addictions & more! @debcairns.bsky.social @roryoc.bsky.social
- Last couple of days to cast your vote for #ResearchforEveryone to win the public vote for #KEAwards25! Refresh your memory of our inclusive communication project with a quick watch of one of the co-produced animations bit.ly/44lfu8G and don't forget to vote via ke.org.uk/ke-awards-20...
- The #KEAwards25 public vote is now open! ✨ We are delighted #ResearchForEveryone is shortlisted in the Knowledge Exchange UK Public Vote category. Watch our short video & vote: ke.org.uk/ke-awards-20... Thank you for supporting our project! #KnowledgeExchangeUK #KEUK #KnowledgeExchange #Impact
- 1. Really powerful to hear from Jackie from #PeopleFirstScotland on her experiences of cancer screening services & what needs to change to improve #cancer screening for people with #learningdisabilities in Scotland
- 2. Today we are hearing the latest findings on cancer screening & learning disabilities from the @uofgshw.bsky.social #CancerResearchBehaviourLab from @katierobb.bsky.social @debcairns.bsky.social @laurenfulton.bsky.social and Jenny Miller @pamis-scotland.bsky.social
- A few places still available at this event on 18th Nov for anyone interested in the latest research findings from this 4 yr study on cancer screening for people with #learningdisabilities. @debcairns.bsky.social @laurenfulton.bsky.social @katierobb.bsky.social @uofgshw.bsky.social Info below
- On 18th Nov colleagues from the @uofgshw.bsky.social #Cancer Research Behaviour Lab will share findings from a 4 year study about cancer screening for people with #learningdisabilities. Register via Bookitbee & join the discussion on ways to improve screening: events.bookitbee.com/university-o...
- The #KEAwards25 public vote is now open! ✨ We are delighted #ResearchForEveryone is shortlisted in the Knowledge Exchange UK Public Vote category. Watch our short video & vote: ke.org.uk/ke-awards-20... Thank you for supporting our project! #KnowledgeExchangeUK #KEUK #KnowledgeExchange #Impact
- Research for Everyone is about taking an inclusive approach to making health research easier for everyone to understand. Find out more about our project, led by adults with #learningdisabilities & researchers @uofgshw.bsky.social @uofgmvls.bsky.social @mediaco-op.bsky.social bit.ly/Research4Eve...
- On 18th Nov colleagues from the @uofgshw.bsky.social #Cancer Research Behaviour Lab will share findings from a 4 year study about cancer screening for people with #learningdisabilities. Register via Bookitbee & join the discussion on ways to improve screening: events.bookitbee.com/university-o...
- Reposted by Scottish Learning Disabilities ObservatoryWe are looking for carers,people with learning disabilities and professionals to participate in the below study. Carers and people with learning disabilities will receive £50 for taking part @carersscotland.bsky.social @nhsresearchscotland.org.uk @scldnews.bsky.social @uofglasgowsldo.bsky.social
- We're thrilled to be finalists in this year's #KEAwards2025 for our #ResearchForEveryone project, led by adults with #learningdisabilities & researchers from across @uofglasgow.bsky.social to make complex health research easier for public audiences to understand. Find out more bit.ly/Research4Eve...
- Reposted by Scottish Learning Disabilities ObservatoryLorne Berkley, SCLD's strategic Lead has written a blog highlighting the need for investment in community-based housing and support, more accessible and adaptable homes, and genuine choice and control for people with learning disabilities over where and how they live. 🔗zurl.co/BA3he
- Places are filling up fast for our conference in December! Register now to hear the latest research from @uofglasgowsldo.bsky.social presented with our fantastic partners, talking about #learningdisabilities & #cancer #diabetes #friendship #physicalactivity #PBS #depression & more! bit.ly/4nGNVhC
- Reposted by Scottish Learning Disabilities ObservatoryVIAS provides quality services for people and for organisations designed to get them thinking about including people with #LearningDisabilities and #Autism. We also are dedicated to supporting disabled people achieve the lives they want! Get in touch and find out more! loom.ly/eOXzoOg
- Reposted by Scottish Learning Disabilities ObservatoryCan you help us find study participants? I am part of the READY Study team. We want to listen to family or paid carers of people with a learning disability who died, learning more about people who died of something other than cancer or dementia. Get in touch if you want to find out more
- Reposted by Scottish Learning Disabilities ObservatoryWe are delighted to invite you to join us on 11th December to celebrate 25 years of #learningdisabilities research @uofglasgow.bsky.social We will be presenting our research @uofglasgowsldo.bsky.social with our incredible partners on #cancer #diabetes #physicalactivity #pbs #depression and more!
- Join us on Thursday 11th December 2025 to mark 25 years of #learningdisabilities research at the @uofglasgow.bsky.social We'll be sharing the latest findings & celebrating the role of partnership across our work. Registration is now open for this free event - bit.ly/4nGNVhC
- Join us on Thursday 11th December 2025 to mark 25 years of #learningdisabilities research at the @uofglasgow.bsky.social We'll be sharing the latest findings & celebrating the role of partnership across our work. Registration is now open for this free event - bit.ly/4nGNVhC
- Reposted by Scottish Learning Disabilities Observatoryblog 4 of 4 for #ScotLDWeek25 aaronhume.co.uk/f/scotldweek...
- Reposted by Scottish Learning Disabilities ObservatoryWe are currently working with the University of South Wales and Marie Curie on the Ready Study, looking at gathering evidence through experience to improve end of life care for people with learning disabilities To find out more about the study and apply - www.readystudy.uk
- Reposted by Scottish Learning Disabilities Observatoryblog 2 of 4 for #ScotLDWeek25 aaronhume.co.uk/f/scotldweek...
- Reposted by Scottish Learning Disabilities ObservatoryI just want to say can you read aaronhume.co.uk/.../scotldwe.... as this setting the scene for this aaronhume.co.uk/.../scotldwe.... stay tune for tomorrow morning if you want to read part 2 #ScotLDWeek25
- Reposted by Scottish Learning Disabilities Observatoryhey all please can you check out my brand new website and my first blog post #ScotLDWeek25 is just went live now! aaronhume.co.uk
- Reposted by Scottish Learning Disabilities ObservatoryGood morning guys happy Monday! I decided to drop my blog 20 mins earlier today and tomorrow as I have college happy reading #ScotLDWeek25 😀 aaronhume.co.uk/f/scotldweek...
- Reposted by Scottish Learning Disabilities ObservatoryWe have new Looking After Someone guides for 2025/26! These have up to date information and advice on all aspects of caring in Scotland. Order printed copies (supplied free, pay postage only) or find the link to the online version here: www.shopcarersuk.org/en/products/...
- Reposted by Scottish Learning Disabilities ObservatoryThe exhibition features portraits by four Project Ability artists - John McNaught, Cameron Morgan, Ryan Jago and Jonathan McKinstry. Project Ability artists will be offering members of the public the chance to sit for a portrait on Saturday 20th September between 1 and 3pm!
- Reposted by Scottish Learning Disabilities ObservatoryHere I Am is an exhibition by Project Ability celebrating Learning Disability Awareness Week, and is on display throughout September.
- Reposted by Scottish Learning Disabilities ObservatoryOn Saturday 20th September, Byres Hub will be open for tours and the chance to sit for a live portrait by Project Ability artists. You can visit the exhibition area and go up to our room with a view to look out across St Mungo Square, the University's Western Campus and the south of Glasgow.
- Delighted to announce our Director @debcairns.bsky.social has been awarded @cancerresearchuk.org funding for Early Detection and Diagnosis Research, leading on new tech for breast cancer screening for women with #learningdisabilities. Find out more about this innovative research bit.ly/3HSOplx
- Reposted by Scottish Learning Disabilities ObservatoryThis #ScotLDWeek, People First Scotland shines a light on those detained in hospitals - sometimes for decades simply because the right support and community housing doesn’t exist. Read the full blog here: zurl.co/vSw9R #ScotLDWeek25 #IAmHereScotland
- We stand together with people with learning disabilities, their families & carers, across Scotland to celebrate inclusion, break down barriers and create a Scotland where everyone belongs. www.ScotLDWeek.com #WeAreHere #IAmHereScotland #ScotLDWeek25 @scldnews.bsky.social @uofgshw.bsky.social
- Reposted by Scottish Learning Disabilities ObservatoryMy colleague Richard told the BBC he found the findings "really upsetting". "People are still dying quite young and are not getting the right support and care. It could be me or it could be somebody I know and I want these deaths to be taken really seriously." www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
- Reposted by Scottish Learning Disabilities Observatory📚 “Some people with learning disability aren’t challenged, because there’s an expectation we can’t learn.” Meet Aaron—a student, campaigner, and human rights defender breaking barriers in education. 🧠💬 Read more: zurl.co/qkobU
- Reposted by Scottish Learning Disabilities Observatory⏳ THREE WEEK TO GO! The countdown is on for Scottish Learning Disability Week, it all kicks off on 8th September. SLDW is all about Scotland a fairer place, where people with learning disabilities are respected, included, and have equal opportunities in all areas of life. #ScotLDWeek25
- Following this latest publication 👇, Prof Chris Hatton @manmetuni.bsky.social & Prof Richard Hastings @unibirmingham.bsky.social provided a report to the @ukcovid-19inquiry.bsky.social about the impact of #Covid19 on people with #learningdisabilities covid19.public-inquiry.uk/documents/in...
- New paper in @jidr-wiley.bsky.social from Amanda Gillooly et al on the Mental Health & Well-Being of Adults With Intellectual Disabilities During the COVID-19 Pandemic Across the UK: A Four-Wave Longitudinal Analysis #learningdisabilities #healthinequalities onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
- Reposted by Scottish Learning Disabilities ObservatoryJob alert! 'Learn Together' is a new community-led workshop series that aims to upskill researchers in engaging ethically and meaningfully with communities. We are looking for a project coordinator who's passionate about engagement. Closes 14 Aug (G6, part time): www.jobs.gla.ac.uk/job/learn-to...
- New paper in @jidr-wiley.bsky.social from Amanda Gillooly et al on the Mental Health & Well-Being of Adults With Intellectual Disabilities During the COVID-19 Pandemic Across the UK: A Four-Wave Longitudinal Analysis #learningdisabilities #healthinequalities onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
- 2. The latest paper from the research collab based across @uofgshw.bsky.social @manmetuni.bsky.social @uni-of-warwick.bsky.social found that social connection & engagement in purposeful activity were vital to maintaining the wellbeing of people with intellectual disabilities during the pandemic.
- 3. Researchers found that exercise and spending time outdoors were associated with better outcomes for the #mentalhealth and wellbeing of people with intellectual disabilities during this time.
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View full thread6. Find out more about this study via sldo.ac.uk/our-research... COVID-19 and intellectual disabilities | Our research
- As part of her PhD, Shylet Njanike is looking to speak with families of Black African origin with an adult family member with learning disabilities who lives at home. Is this you or someone you know? Please share widely - details in the flyer below👇
- You can read more about Shylet's PhD via the SLDO website: sldo.ac.uk/our-research...
- We recently launched a new resource, co-developed with Differabled Scotland and family carers, created to support families navigating the post-secondary school transition & beyond for young people with developmental disabilities. You can now access it for free online via bit.ly/4k71nsB
- The resource brings together guidance & advice drawn from the learned experience of parents & carers of neurodivergent young people & young people with developmental disabilities, as well as a description of services that parents can access for advice & support. Find out more via bit.ly/3ZbKWnk
- Reposted by Scottish Learning Disabilities ObservatoryWe want to find out what matters most to people with learning disabilities when managing diabetes. Please share our survey for people with learning disabilities and carers 👇
- New survey for adults with #diabetes & #learningdisabilities led by @qubelfastofficial.bsky.social @uofgshw.bsky.social @diabetesuk.bsky.social looking to find out about what matters most to people when managing their diabetes. Complete this survey at: uofg.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
- Reposted by Scottish Learning Disabilities ObservatoryParticipants wanted!!! 📢 What? A workshop about using AI to make bowel screening easier Who? People with learning disabilities aged 50+ When? Thurs 26 June Where? Univ of Glasgow Participants will receive a £60 gift voucher. For more info: email: lauren.fulton@glasgow.ac.uk
- Reposted by Scottish Learning Disabilities Observatory⚽ @uofglasgowsldo.bsky.social - Research for Everyone 🔗 buff.ly/zKcrxOx Two animations co-produced by people with learning disabilities, proving that research can and should be accessible for everyone. (4/4)
- Reposted by Scottish Learning Disabilities ObservatoryFantastic international workshop on "Pain care for people with learning disabilities" @uofglasgowsldo.bsky.social @uofglasgow.bsky.social @uofgshw.bsky.social @cpac00.bsky.social 👏
- Reposted by Scottish Learning Disabilities ObservatoryDelighted to be working with @uofglasgowsldo.bsky.social - taking the resource we developed for #cancerscreening research & turning it into a practical tool for practitioners. We will work with 10 people supporting screening with people with #learningdisability . Looking forward to their feedback
- Reposted by Scottish Learning Disabilities ObservatoryStill time to register for this workshop on pain care for people with #LearningDisabilities
- Join us on 17th June @uofglasgow.bsky.social to hear from leading international specialists in #pain care for people with #learningdisabilities - register to attend via bit.ly/3FaB5HI @kerryldnurse93.bsky.social @nhsggc.bsky.social @pamis-scotland.bsky.social @barbnicholl.bsky.social
- Reposted by Scottish Learning Disabilities ObservatoryStep aboard Home Instead Glasgow's virtual dementia tour bus for an immersive experience that simulates the challenges of living with dementia. Friday 7th June, 10:30am - 5:00pm Byres Road Community Hub, Byres Road, Glasgow FREE to attend No booking required – just come along!
- New survey for adults with #diabetes & #learningdisabilities led by @qubelfastofficial.bsky.social @uofgshw.bsky.social @diabetesuk.bsky.social looking to find out about what matters most to people when managing their diabetes. Complete this survey at: uofg.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
- Reposted by Scottish Learning Disabilities Observatorywe were delighted that the Minister for Social Care @mareetodd.bsky.social attended The Assembly conference today to talk about the importance of people with learning disabilities accessing their annual health checks!
- New study finds increased risk of serious illness from COVID-19 for autistic adults in England, evidenced by higher hospitalisation & mortality rates despite similar vaccination rates. More on the latest research from Dr Dewy Nijhof et al via bit.ly/4jwzRVu
- Join us on 17th June @uofglasgow.bsky.social to hear from leading international specialists in #pain care for people with #learningdisabilities - register to attend via bit.ly/3FaB5HI @kerryldnurse93.bsky.social @nhsggc.bsky.social @pamis-scotland.bsky.social @barbnicholl.bsky.social
- Join us @byreshub.bsky.social on Friday 20th June from 1-2.30pm for the launch of a new booklet for families of young people navigating the transition from school to adult life. Registration essential - find out more & book here bit.ly/43o5vyq
- Registration is now open for our workshop on #pain care for people with #Learningdisabilities, 17th June 09.30-12.30 @uofglasgow.bsky.social Join us to hear from international specialists from the US, Canada and Ireland on the latest research & innovation in this area. More info bit.ly/4jXp1c5
- One of our speakers will be @cpac00.bsky.social sharing her latest research into inequalities in pain related medication use in adults with learning disabilities. Find out more about Christine's work via bit.ly/3ZwVH4f
- A warm welcome to @pamis-scotland.bsky.social - great to see you on here! If you don't already know about the important work they do to support people with profound & multiple #learningdisabilities (PMLD), their families, carers and professionals, check out www.pamis.org.uk to learn more.
- Reposted by Scottish Learning Disabilities ObservatoryYesterday we asked what's one thing you wish people knew about learning disability and you answered ✨ If you'd like to learn more about what a learning disability is, read more here: brnw.ch/21wSv5D
- Reposted by Scottish Learning Disabilities ObservatoryAre you working with young people and need to support them to discuss relationships & #sexualhealth If so book now on our advanced course 12th June at @coursebeetle.co.uk A resource is included that covers 3 topics; sexual knowledge,being close, sexual interests. #careexperienced #learningdisability
- Reposted by Scottish Learning Disabilities ObservatoryEngage to act for improvements with and for people with learning disabilities www.learningdisabilitytoday.co.uk/ldt-campaign...
- Today @byreshub.bsky.social we had the privilege to preview the brilliant, moving & hard hitting new film from the Chance2Change group. Their Health n Equality project brings together poetry, art & film to address #healthinequalities & inspire social change. www.yokercampus.org/Chance-to-Ch...
