Disabled people are underrepresented in politics. They face barriers when seeking elected office despite the advances in accessibility, often because they have no word in the decision-making process. This blog explores ongoing challenges and the importance of inclusivity, using examples to discuss the drawbacks and celebrate progress.

The importance of representation

Political representation ensures the government is acting on its citizens’ behalf by listening to all voices and considering the interests of all communities. However, there is a shortage of representatives who understand the lived experiences of disabled people.

We will now look at the examples of some of the barriers that people with disabilities are dealing with.

Barriers to political office

1. Physical and Architectural Accessibility. Campaign locations and government buildings often have poorly designed accessible features, provided they have them at all. People have reported a lack of parking for Blue Badge holders, no step-free walks, polling cards without a large print option, no accommodation for assistance dogs—the list goes on—even though the venue was marked as “Accessible” on the internet. “Accessible” can mean that there is a wheelchair ramp, but it doesn’t necessarily mean there’s anything more than that.
2. Digital Accessibility. Many digital platforms and campaign tools are designed without accessibility features. Alternative text, closed-captioned videos, audio materials, and sufficient contrast and clear navigation options allow more people to interact with the content. It can help promote campaigns better and reach out to a wider audience.
3. Stigmatisation and Prejudice. Generally, society tends to underestimate—or exaggerate—the capabilities of disabled people. It’s not rare to come across a post on the internet that calls a person in a wheelchair a “hero”, or a heated discussion about sick notes where disabled people are labelled as “lazy” or “weak”. Both prejudices show a disconnection between common misconceptions and reality. Eventually, this disconnection leads to misunderstanding and a lack of support for disabled candidates’ true values, diminishing their chances of being elected.
4. Inadequate Support and Resources. Disabled candidates encounter insufficient support from political parties. This includes limited financial resources and a lack of specialised assistance for running effective campaigns.

The importance of political representation for society

When disabled people become politicians, they bring a unique perspective and promote a more equitable and inclusive system. At the same time, citizens with disabilities feel visible and empowered when they see someone with similar experiences in prominent roles.

Moreover, disabled politicians can bridge the gap between those with and without disabilities in areas such as healthcare, government support, wages, mobility, and access to education. It fosters a positive trend where proposed improvements in accessibility are implemented better because they are reviewed and approved by disabled people themselves.

Case study: Pam Duncan-Glancy

A notable figure in the context of disability representation is Pam Duncan-Glancy. As the first permanent wheelchair user elected to the Scottish Parliament, she sheds light on the challenges disabled people face. Duncan-Glancy has been an advocate for greater inclusivity and accessibility, using her platform to address the barriers faced by disabled individuals in politics.

A representative effort

Pam Duncan-Glancy is one of the key figures behind the Children and Young People with Disabilities (Transitions to Adulthood) Bill in Scotland, which commenced its debates in 2023. This bill aims to enhance support and transition services for young people with disabilities. It proposes measures to ensure they receive the necessary assistance as they move from school to adulthood, including university education, employment, and social services.

About the Bill

The main points of the Children and Young People with Disabilities (Transitions to Adulthood) Bill in Scotland include:

• Early Planning: Effective planning for the transition of young people with disabilities from school to adulthood.
• Personalised Transition Plans: Each young person should have a personalised transition plan tailored to their specific needs.
• Service Coordination: Coordination among schools, health services, local authorities, and other relevant services to ensure a smooth transition.
• Ongoing Support: Ensures that support does not end abruptly upon reaching adulthood but continues as needed throughout the transition.
• Active Involvement of Young People and Families: Encourages active involvement of young people and their families in the planning and decision-making process.

Moving forward

Despite progress, there is still a lot of work to do. Increasing the number of disabled individuals in political office is essential for achieving equity. It can challenge societal prejudices and help us create a more inclusive political landscape.

We need to encourage more people with disabilities to stand for political positions. Their life experiences have been overlooked, so they need more representatives to influence legislation and expedite the implementation of disability policies.

We must collectively strive to break down barriers and support true equity. By understanding and addressing the challenges faced by disabled candidates, we can foster a political environment where everyone has the opportunity to make a difference.