GETTING into politics is something that appeals to many people.

However, for those with disabilities, there can be barriers to overcome.
With this in mind, Inclusion Scotland has launched a new fund, called Access to Elected Office.

Attending the launch event at the Scottish Parliament were several MSPs, with the leaders of all five main parties in Scotland offering their support.

A lot of work has gone into delivering this fund.

To coincide with last year’s local council elections, Inclusion Scotland began the process of creating a list of solutions to problems faced by disabled people who want to get into politics.

This will see work being carried out with disabled activists across the political spectrum.

Inclusion Scotland has also developed the Access to Politics Charter, with the input of 60 disabled people from across the country.

In the charter, political parties affirm to outline disabled people’s participation in activities, provide disability equality training to elected officers, staff and party members, investigate alternative means of participation, such as remote presence and internal digital voting, and actively support disabled people who want to stand for elected office.

A total of 39 disabled people who became candidates at the local government elections were supported by the fund, with 15 of them becoming councillors.

Maybe some of them will go on to serve as MSPs at the Scottish Parliament.

It is a sign of real progress to see people with a disability being represented in government, giving a voice to many who would otherwise find it difficult to be heard.

To help promote equality for people with disabilities, become a member of East Renfrewshire Disability Action. For more information, send an e-mail to enquiries@erda.org.uk.