Scottish Government: International Day of Disabled People

On the International Day of Disabled People, Minister for Parliamentary Business Graeme Dey has welcomed the impact being made by a Scottish Government-funded initiative to help make politics more accessible.

The Access to Elected Office Fund, administered by Inclusion Scotland, has now supported 100 disabled people to stand for election since it was introduced in 2016, with 38 of those elected to local councils across Scotland.

Mr Dey said:

“Since it was launched, the Access to Elected Office Fund has played a vital role in making elected politics more accessible for disabled people.

“The Fund provides practical support and reasonable adjustments to remove barriers for disabled candidates. This includes help with communication, transport, and personal assistance, ensuring that disability is never a barrier to participation to standing to be an elected representative.

“it is a cornerstone of Scotland's commitment to inclusive democracy that we have now embedded this Fund in law through the Scottish Elections (Registration and Reform) Act 2025.

“The Fund remains open for applications for the 2026 Scottish Parliament and 2027 local authority elections and I would urge anyone who thinks they may be eligible to apply.”

Ellen Blunsdon, Access to Elected Office Coordinator at Inclusion Scotland, said:

“The Access to Elected Office Fund is open for all disabled candidates standing in the 2026 parliamentary elections and the 2027 council elections, and we are actively promoting it to ensure that every disabled candidate knows that they can get the financial support they need to stand for election.

"The Scottish Government's Access to Elected Office Fund, administered by Inclusion Scotland, exists because talented disabled people are still locked out of politics by avoidable barriers. Democracy can only work when all voices are heard.

“When we remove these barriers, we strengthen democracy for all by creating a parliament that truly reflects the Scottish people. Disabled people deserve equal access to public life, and the Fund is one of the tools that help make this possible."

Background:

ELECTIONS AND CANDIDATE SUPPORTED BY THE ACCESS TO ELECTED OFFICE FUND

Impact so far:

• £550,000 invested since 2016
• 100 candidates supported to stand for election
• 38 elected to local councils across Scotland