Access to Politics
Despite there being around one million disabled people in Scotland, disabled representation in elected office and political spaces remains disproportionately low. To build a truly representative democracy, we need to reduce the barriers that prevent disabled people from taking part in political activity, civic engagement and holding public office.
Access to Politics is our programme designed to support disabled people to engage with political life at every level – from joining a political party or starting a campaign, to running for elected office and influencing decisions that affect our lives. We offer advice, guidance and tailored support to help you identify barriers, navigate political processes and develop your participation pathway.
Access to Elected Office
The Access to Elected Office Fund exists to remove the additional disability related costs that can make campaigning harder. Our aim is simple: no one should be excluded from politics because of extra costs linked to disability.
Who is eligible?
You can apply if you:
- Self-define as disabled under the Equality Act 2010
- Intend to seek selection, have been selected, or plan to stand as an independent candidate
- Are eligible under the relevant election regulations
What can the Fund cover?
There are five categories of support available:
- Assistive technology
- Coaching
- Communication support (e.g. BSL interpreters, note-takers)
- Personal assistance
- Travel and transport
Click Find out more below to see more information, including our step by step applicant guide which takes you through every stage of the process, from contacting our team, to your application meeting, to how decisions are made and how awards are set up️.
Access to politics charter
In 2018 Inclusion Scotland developed the Access to Politics Charter, co-produced with disabled activists and launched in the Scottish Parliament. The Charter commits political parties to taking meaningful action to remove barriers and increase disabled people’s participation in political life, including supporting disabled members, improving accessibility, and exploring new ways of being involved.
The Access to Politics Charter is also available in Easy Read – Access to Politics Charter – Easy Read.
Access to politics
Our wider Access to Politics work is part of Inclusion Scotland’s wider belief that disabled people’s voices, experiences and leadership must be central to decisions about society’s future because a democracy that excludes us is not a democracy at all.
Our Access to Politics guidance provides disabled people with clear information on getting involved in politics, covering rights, adjustments, barrier removal and steps for engagement and elected office.
If you have any questions about getting more involved in local or national politics, please contact our Access to Elected Office Coordinator at civicparticipation@inclusionscotland.org.
Resources bank
Disabled members’ groups are networks within political parties that support and connect disabled people. Find their contact details here to access resources, advice, and opportunities for political engagement.
You can also access Inclusion Scotland’s resources and research here: