What Is Disabled People’s Question Time and Why It Matters
Disabled People’s Question Time is an accessible hustings event organised by Inclusion Scotland to ensure disabled people are at the heart of political debate ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections. At a time when decisions made at Holyrood have a direct and lasting impact on disabled people’s lives, this event creates a vital space for disabled people to question candidates, challenge policies and demand accountability.
Too often, political discussions about disability happen without disabled people. Traditional hustings and campaign events can be inaccessible, intimidating or structured in ways that exclude disabled voices. Disabled People’s Question Time exists to change that. It is designed by and for disabled people, with accessibility and inclusion built in from the outset.
The event brings together candidates standing for election to the Scottish Parliament and places them directly in conversation with disabled people. Rather than responding to general or abstract questions, candidates are asked to address questions drawn directly from Inclusion Scotland’s manifesto asks. These asks are grounded in disabled people’s lived experience and reflect key priorities for change in Scotland.
This approach matters because it shifts the balance of power. Disabled People’s Question Time is not about politicians setting the agenda. It is about disabled people setting out what they need from those seeking to represent them in the Scottish Parliament. It creates a clear line of accountability, allowing disabled voters to hear where candidates stand on issues such as independent living, social care, access to services, poverty and participation in public life.
Disabled People’s Question Time also plays an important role in strengthening Scotland’s democracy. Disabled people make up a significant part of the electorate yet remain underrepresented in political decision-making. When disabled people are excluded, policies risk being ineffective or harmful. When disabled people are listened to, policy is better informed, more inclusive and more likely to uphold human rights.
For candidates and political parties, taking part in Disabled People’s Question Time is an opportunity to engage meaningfully with disabled voters. It encourages deeper understanding of the barriers disabled people face and challenges assumptions about disability and leadership. It also signals a commitment to listening, learning and acting.
The 2026 Scottish Parliament elections come at a critical moment. Disabled people in Scotland continue to face rising living costs, pressure on social care and ongoing barriers to participation. Disabled People’s Question Time ensures that these realities are not sidelined during the election campaign, but placed firmly at its centre.
Inclusion Scotland believes that disabled people have the right to participate fully in political and public life. Disabled People’s Question Time is one way of making that right real. By creating a space where disabled people can question, challenge and be heard, the event helps build a more inclusive and accountable political culture in Scotland.
Join Inclusion Scotland’s Disabled People’s Question Time and hear directly from Scottish Parliament candidates as they respond to disabled people’s priorities. Attend the event, engage with the debate and help ensure disabled people’s voices shape the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections.
