This week Enable Scotland celebrates 60 years of support
It was created after 10 parents met to discuss the need for better support for children who had learning disabilities.
Now 60 years on Enable is one of Scotland’s biggest disability charities.
People who have learning disabilities no longer spend their lives hidden away in institutions
The organisation this week celebrates its 60th anniversary, with a gathering of past and present supporters who have either been helped or assisted it over the years.
They returned to the former education offices, now the Abode Arthouse Hotel in Glasgow, to mark the event where a plaque was unveiled.
Over the years, Enable Scotland has campaigned to transform the lives of thousands of young people with learning disabilities and their families.
One of its biggest achievements has been securing education for children with learning disabilities.
Until 1974, parents were generally told that their children were "ineducable".
But the organisation battled to change that and in 1974 an act was passed which opened the way for young people with learning disabilities to get schooling.
Peter Scott, chief executive of Enable Scotland said organisations like his own contributed to changing society to the extent that people with learning disabilities are now valued.
“Thousands of people who have learning disabilities no longer spend their lives hidden away in institutions, excluded from their communities,” he said.
“Many live independent lives, have their own home, paid employment, meaningful relationships, and play an important role in their communities.”
Research has shown that one of the biggest challenges facing people with learning disabilities is the opportunity to form meaningful friendships.
Enable has set up projects to bring people together, as well as providing practical support through services for more than 1,900 people across Scotland.
Scott added: “Our members continue to campaign with us to tackle challenges like these.
"Building on our many successes over the past 60 years, we will continue to work tirelessly to realise a more positive future for people who have learning disabilities."
