Independent Living Scotland

Independent Living Scotland, 7-8 October 2015, SECC, Glasgow

Scottish exhibition organiser, QD Events, are delighted to announce the launch of a new event with the twofold aim of offering advice, support and information for individuals living with disability or a long-term condition, and providing learning, product knowledge and networking opportunities for healthcare professionals in Scotland.

Independent Living Scotland, which will take place in Hall 3 of Glasgow's SECC on the 7th and 8th October, will bring together people with disabilities, their families and carers along with healthcare professionals to test and compare the latest products on the market, network and gain advice on what is new and identify which product is best suited for each individual need.

Fran McIntyre, MD of QD Events said: “With nearly 1 million people in Scotland living with disability or illness, there is a real need for a Scottish show. As an experienced events organiser based in Scotland, our aim is to create an event which provides access to information and advice and offers a showcase for the latest products on the market aimed at facilitating independent living.”

Group Show Manager, Liz Logan stated: “We hope that Independent Living Scotland will offer our visitors a wide range of choice and options, from those people with a need or desire to live more independently, to the healthcare professionals who are responsible for sourcing, purchasing and recommending the newest products on the market. We are very much looking forward to working with key Scottish suppliers, associations and charities, really making this their show.”

...our aim is to create an event which provides access to information and advice and offers a showcase for the latest products on the market aimed at facilitating independent living.

Topical issues will head up the agenda of Independent Living Scotland’s seminar programme .

Day 1 looks at the care requirements for an ageing population and the role that healthcare professionals can play to ensure this demographic remains healthier and independent for as long as possible. 

The agenda identifies falls prevention initiatives and innovative programmes designed to prevent hospital admissions. Case studies are highlighted in a community engagement and health service development for Annandale and Eskdale, and in an update on integrating occupational therapy services in Perth.

With dementia much in the news, a dedicated session focuses on the role of the OT in ensuring patients diagnosed with dementia, and their families, have the support they need. Final sessions for Day 1 offer a guide to meeting HCPC’s standards for continuing professional development and an update on the AHP Delivery Plan (2012-2015): what has been achieved and priorities for the future.

Day 2 takes a closer look at children, young people and families, with a case study on the Rainbow Programme, a programme partnering OTs with parents to recognise the full potential of young individuals. Further sessions cover mobilisation techniques and equipment to support children and young people with complex disabilities; assistive technologies – the latest developments in telecare and how this technology can support young people with learning disabilities and a focus on minimising health inequalities in Scotland; what’s working and where.

The keynote session for the second day provides an overview of the National Delivery Plan for Children, Young People and Families within Scotland. Taking a look at specialist services, this session will lead the debate in how this plan identifies priority areas for action, age appropriate care and how it aims to support service delivery to ensure success.

In addition, The College of Occupational Therapists, the UK's professional body for occupational therapists and support workers, will be playing a threefold role whilst at the show: supporting its members based in Scotland; providing advice and support to visitors and participating in the seminar programme to provide dedicated occupational therapy focused sessions.

Caroline Jones, Head of Marketing for the College of Occupational Therapists said: "We are delighted to be supporting Independent Living Scotland. We have a large membership base in Scotland and this event will provide us with the perfect opportunity to meet with existing and new members based here, offering them support and information within a dedicated learning environment. We are particularly excited about participating in the seminar programme - continuous professional development plays a vital role in what we do on a day-to-day basis and this opportunity ensures that all our members, wherever their location, really do benefit."

Further information:

Independent Living Scotland will run at the SECC, Glasgow from the 7th-8th October.

Admittance is free of charge to all visitors providing they have registered their details in advance at www.independentlivingscotland.org