Why Disabled People’s Voices must be heard in the 2026 Scottish Elections
The run up to the 2026 elections for the Scottish Parliament provides a critical moment to ask whether Scotland’s democracy truly works for disabled people.
For too long, disabled people have been excluded from meaningful political engagement – both as voters and as candidates for election – by the structural barriers that prevent our full participation. If the 2026 Scottish elections are to deliver real progress for disabled people, our voices must be heard in the debate.
Disabled people are significantly underrepresented in the Scottish Parliament and across political life in general. This is not due to a lack of interest or capability by disabled people, but because political systems are inaccessible by design. Barriers are baked into all levels of the system, from limited financial support for disabled candidates to manifestos and electioneering information in inaccessible formats; a lack of British Sign Language interpretation: and to persistent misconceptions about disabled people’s leadership.
When disabled people are excluded for political decision making, the consequences are far reaching. The decisions made in the Scottish Parliament directly affect disabled people’s lives, whether that’s social care reform, independent living support, transport, housing, education, employment, or access to public services. Without disabled people shaping these conversations, policies can reinforce inequality, failing to reflect our experiences and expertise, and forgetting to prioritise our rights.
The 2026 Scottish Parliament elections are an opportunity to do things differently. Including disabled people’s voices means ensuring that disabled people can directly question candidates and political parties on the issues that matter most to them. It means moving beyond surface-level commitments to equality and engaging seriously with disabled people’s rights and demands.
Inclusion Scotland’s Disabled People’s Question Time is designed to do exactly this. This accessible hustings event puts disabled people at the centre of the conversation. Candidates standing for election to the Scottish Parliament will be asked to respond to questions relating to Inclusion Scotland’s manifesto asks. These were created from Inclusion Scotland’s engagement events, surveys and participation groups with disabled people. The Disabled People’s Question Time creates a powerful space for progress. Disabled people will hear directly from candidates, compare positions across parties and assess who is committed to advancing disabled people’s rights in Scotland.
Candidates and parties will also benefit. Engaging with disabled voters in a structured, accessible setting supports better policymaking and a deeper understanding of the barriers disabled people face. It strengthens democratic engagement and helps ensure that future MSPs are equipped to represent all members of their communities.
Inclusion Scotland believes that a fair and inclusive Scotland depends on disabled people having an equal voice in shaping our political future. As the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections approach, events like Disabled People’s Question Time are essential in making that vision a reality.
Disabled people have rights to be heard, respected and represented. Join us at our Disabled People’s Question Time and be part of ensuring disabled people’s voices are central to Scotland’s democracy in 2026.
Register to attend Inclusion Scotland’s Disabled People’s Question Time and hear directly from Scottish Parliament candidates on the issues that matter to disabled people. Together, we can hold decision-makers to account and demand a more inclusive future.
