This #FundraisingFriday we want to wish the best of luck to all the fantastic runners taking on the Linlithgow 10k this weekend! 👟
A huge thank you to the event organisers, @linlithgowathleticsclub, for choosing to support us. This year, runners had the option to opt out of receiving a race t-shirt, with the saved production costs donated directly t#linlithgow10k
We are so grateful to everyone who chose to support us! These funds will go directly toward supporting neurodivergent children, young people and adults to help them realise their potential and thrive.
Looking for your next challenge? 🏆
Join Team Donaldson’s and take part in one of our fundraising events. Whether you’re walking, running, climbing, skydiving, or getting muddy for a good cause, every challenge helps raise vital funds and awareness.
Take on something extraordinary and help create opportunities for neurodivergent people across Scotland. 👏
Click the link in our bio and head to `Get Involved` to browse our events and find the challenge that fits your goals.
#Linlithgow10K
Yesterday, our Policy Lead, Stephen Caulfield, joined colleagues from across the neurodivergence and learning disability sectors for ‘Where Next for the LDAN Bill?’, a parliamentary roundtable facilitated by @joe.long.msp
The recent decision by @scotgov not to progress the Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill left neurodivergent people feeling hurt, angry and disillusioned – especially after many dedicated their time and expertise, and shared lived experience toward its development.
However, the Scottish Government’s abandoning of the Bill cannot, and will not, mean the end of progress. There is simply too much at stake.
As the National Body for Neurodiversity, our commitment to advancing the rights and opportunities of neurodivergent people in Scotland remains unchanged. Today’s roundtable sought to keep the aims and good intentions of the Bill alive; to reflect on the setbacks of this month, whilst exploring how we address critical, unresolved questions around delivery and ensure neurodivergent voices are heard.
The work carried out and proposals developed thus far must serve as a foundation for what comes next – not a lost effort. Motivated by the progress made today, we look forward to the next session and to working alongside our partner organisations to drive meaningful action.
#LDANBill #Neurodivergence #ScottishParliament #PolicyAndAdvocacy #Neurodiversity #HumanRights
@autisticsocietyscotland, @scottishautism, @dsscotland, @scldnews, @enable_updates, @pamis_scotland, @sema.scot, Scottish ADHD Coalition
Communication doesn’t stop at the classroom door. 📚
At The Donaldson Trust, we see every day how the right communication tools transform young lives.
Whether using simple visual supports or high-tech Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems, communication aids give neurodivergent young people a reliable way to express themselves, process the world around them and make their voices heard.
When children are equipped with the tools that fit their individual needs, inclusion moves beyond school walls. 🏫
True inclusion means independence in the real world, whether that`s:
• Ordering a hot drink independently at a local café
• Navigating public transport with confidence
• Or simply engaging in everyday social interactions
As Kirsten Lamb, Speech and Language Therapist at our Sensational Learning Centre, highlights:
"When pupils are given the right tools to communicate, they gain far more than a means of expression. They gain confidence, independence, connection and a stronger sense of belonging. Both in the classroom and beyond."
Read Kirsten`s full article published in SEN Magazine by clicking the link in our bio. 🔗
Last week, we opened our doors at the Sensational Learning Centre for our Parent Open Afternoon, giving families a chance to explore our spaces and spend time with the team. 🏫
When home and school truly work together, young people thrive. An afternoon like this gives families a real look at the daily environment we create here – one built around acceptance, flexibility and tailored support.
More than anything, it’s about making sure parents know they’re part of this community, and that they have a genuine voice in their child’s learning journey. 📣
On your marks, get set…BAKE! 🍰
With the Great British Bake Off returning to our screens soon, the pupils in Class Oak are channeling their inner star bakers.
Through their new project, Crackin’ Cakes, they are setting up their very own on-campus honesty box so colleagues and the people we support can enjoy fresh, delicious treats – starting with Victoria Sponge Cupcakes and Blueberry Muffins! 🍓🫐
This initiative goes far beyond baking. As they put their Home Economics lessons into practice, the pupils are also stepping into the roles of young entrepreneurs. This involves them managing budgets, conducting market research and analysing customer feedback each week to refine their service.
"Inspired by the return of the Great British Bake Off, Oak Class decided to bring some joy to Tuesday mornings through sharing our wonderful baking with staff across the Trust. " Teacher, Sheena Blair, shared. 💬
"Our first offering was a great success and the support, enthusiasm and feedback we received will help us to prepare for our next shed.”
Good luck to all the pupils in their new venture! 😄
Do you want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of neurodivergent young adults?
This could be the opportunity you’ve been looking for! 👇
At The Donaldson Trust, we believe every neurodivergent young adult deserves the chance to thrive, discover their place in the world and shape a future that works for them.
Our Adults Services provide specialist, neurodiversity-informed support that empowers young adults to grow their independence, confidence and wellbeing.
We’re looking for a Wellbeing Practitioner to join our team in Treehouse – our specialist wellbeing service for neurodivergent adults aged 16+ who require an individualised programme and bespoke environment to support and improve their wellbeing, skills development and independence.
As a Wellbeing Practitioner, you’ll provide calm, individualised support that is responsive to each supported person’s sensory profile. You’ll have proven experience supporting adults with individualised needs and hold (or be willing to work towards) SVQ Level 3 in Social Services and Healthcare.
If you’re professional, dependable, collaborative, curious and adaptable – and you have experience supporting adults with individualised needs – we’d love to hear from you.
🔗 Head to our website for more details, link in bio.
⏰ Closing Date: Monday 28th September 2026
❗️Please note: Given the nature of this role, we are keen to recruit as soon as possible. Therefore, please apply early, as we will hold interviews throughout the application window and may bring the closing date forward.
Along with other learning disability and neurodivergence organisations, we have signed a joint statement concerning the @scotgov’s decision to drop the Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence (LDAN) Bill.
The decision not to progress this legislation is a massive setback, leaving our communities feeling frustrated, disappointed and without a clear strategic direction for the future.
As outlined in our collective statement, too many people continue to face significant challenges in accessing the services and support on which they rely.
Without this Bill, Scotland is left without a national plan to address these systemic injustices.
We stand ready to work constructively with the Scottish Government, parliamentarians, and partners across all sectors, but the ambitions that underpinned this Bill must not be lost.
Read the full collective statement and our call for action on our website. 🔗 Head to the link in bio and go to `News & Views`.
@autisticsocietyscotland @scottishautism @pamis_scotland @dsscotland @scldnews Scottish ADHD Coalition
#Policy #ScottishGovernment #ProgrammeForGovernment #Neurodivergence #LDANBill
We are dismayed by the Scottish Government’s abandoning of their long-promised Learning Disabilities, Autism, and Neurodivergence Bill.
Neurodivergent people have been left feeling hurt, angry, and disillusioned – especially after having dedicated years of time and energy to make it the success we know it could, and should, be.
In 2021, the Scottish Government promised significant positive change through this Bill; change that would have improved outcomes and people’s experiences in health, justice, care, education and employment. Many worked alongside the Scottish Government over five years, sharing their views and often reliving traumatic experiences in the knowledge that changes were coming.
In line with Scottish Government priorities, we support public sector reform that serves Scotland’s most marginalised communities; reform that delivers a lasting shift to meaningful, well-resourced support and a pro-active, preventative approach. However, the actions in the Programme for Government do little to lessen the frustration that people feel in this moment.
For example, mandatory training, inclusive communications, and statutory strategies on neurodivergence – key pillars of the now abandoned Bill – are absent from that government agenda. There is clearly no national plan to remedy the systemic injustices neurodivergent people and families will continue to face.
Individuals’ lives continue to be put on hold as they face significant waits for supports and diagnoses; children and young people continue to miss out on education and autistic un/under-employment persists as a result of a lack of neuro-inclusion in the workplace.
We stand ready to work alongside parliamentarians and partners across all sectors to ensure the ambitions that underpinned this Bill are not lost. We look now to this new @scotgov and the First Minister (@john_swinney_snp) to show leadership and prioritise the change that neurodivergent people and families seek.
#Policy #ScottishGovernment #ProgrammeForGovernment #Neurodivergence
