Facts

Facts about learning disability in Scotland.

We are often contacted for information about statistics and facts about learning disability in Scotland. Here are some useful statistics about learning disability

1. There are an estimated 120,000 children and adults with learning disabilities in Scotland.
   
   
2.  Local authorities across Scotland know about or provide services to 27,671 adults with
    learning disabilities.
   
   
3.  Most adults with learning disabilities are aged between 21 and 64 (21,378). 10% of known
 adults with learning disabilities (2,859) are aged over 65.


4.  8,744 adults live with a family carer, usually a parent carer. Of these, 1218 
    adults with learning disabilities aged over 50 live with a family carer.
   
   
5.  13,698 adults live in their own accommodation (i.e. do not share with others). 11% of adults 
    live in registered care homes.
   
   
6.  In 2009, over a third of known adults did not attend a day centre or have day opportunities.
   
   
7.  More than 71% of the Scottish population (aged 16-64) is in employment but it is estimated
 that only 1 in 20 adults with learning disabilities (5%) is in any form of paid work.


8.  3,678 adults in Scotland receive a direct payment to arrange their own support. Of these 26% (956) are adults with learning disabilities.
   
   
9.  In 2009, there were 44,176 pupils with additional support needs. Only 15% (6,673) of pupils 
    with additional support needs attend a special school. There are over 11,500 pupils with 
    learning disabilities in mainstream schools.
   
   
10.  More than 80% of Scottish local authorities (27 out of 32) do not give mandatory training to 
     teachers and classroom staff to enable them to support pupils with additional learning needs.