17 February 2026
by Niall Christie
The campaign was launched by Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland
A Scottish spina bifada charity has launched a new campaign pushing for a bill which would increase opportunities for disabled people across the country.
Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland has launched its Choose Opportunity campaign, which would aim to lift disabled people out of poverty and break down barriers to opportunity.
The charity hopes to tackle the “shameful” levels of hardship and lack of opportunity faced by disabled people.
A Disabled People’s Access and Opportunities Bill, the charity said, could introduce a new proactive accessibility body with powers to inspect and enforce accessibility standards, promoting the design of spaces, services and workplaces that are inclusive for everyone.
The Herald reports the bill would also introduce a Transition to Adulthood Guarantee for disabled young people, abolish non-residential social care charges, and establish a new Cost of Disability Commission.
The legislation would further set legally binding targets to cut disabled people’s poverty rates and close the disability employment gap.
The charity is also calling for greater financial support, improved access to respite services for carers, and a fairer funding settlement for the voluntary sector.
Lawrence Cowan, CEO at Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland, told the Herald: “In a country as rich as Scotland, the levels of poverty and lack of opportunity for disabled people are shameful. We need to see better political choices in the next parliament.
“Together we can make Scotland one of the most opportunity-rich countries in the world for disabled people.
“We are calling on people across Scotland to get behind the campaign because that’s the way to effect change.
“The Scottish Parliament election is due in May. This is your chance to call for all political parties to focus on improving accessibility, dealing with the cost of disability, and creating more opportunities for disabled people and their families.”
Call for new Disabled People’s Access and Opportunities Bill from Scottish charity - TFN
The above information is from a Third Force News (TFN) Weekly Health & Social Care roundup Newsletter Wed 19/02/2026