For immediate release
Disability Wales is supporting disabled people across the country who want to shape the future of Welsh democracy by launching its new Access to Politics Toolkit and the next phase of the Access to Elected Office Fund Wales at an online event on Thursday 24 September.
Disabled people remain underrepresented in political life. The Toolkit and the Fund work in parallel to remove some of the barriers that disabled candidates face in gaining equal access to democratic participation.
The Toolkit was co-produced with members of the Access to Politics Grassroots Network, informed by their lived experience of political participation. It is aimed at enabling disabled people to navigate the complex world of politics; whether standing for office representing a political party, as an independent candidate or to participate in furthering the rights of disabled people through activism.
The step-by-step document will provide disabled people with the practical advice they need and help them gain confidence in pursuing their political ambitions. It highlights and addresses some misconceptions about standing for political office and aims to ease the journey undertaken by every aspiring politician.
The Access to Elected Office Fund Wales provides financial support for disabled candidates with impairment-related costs. This includes funding for British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters, personal assistants, accessible transport, and assistive technology.
The Fund is available during the run-up to Local Government elections in May 2027, from when an individual is formally declared a candidate until the election results are announced. However, candidates are encouraged to apply earlier so that provisional approval can be granted, and support needs can be assessed in advance. Support is available to potential and confirmed candidates standing for a political party or as an independent in principal and community council elections.
Both projects have been funded by the Welsh Government and are non-Partisan.
Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning, Siân Gwenllian, said: “Every disabled person who wants to stand for elected office in Wales should have the confidence and practical support to do so. The launch of the Access to Politics Toolkit, alongside the next stage of the Access to Elected Office Fund Wales, will help break down the barriers that too often stand in the way.
“This isn’t just about fairness; it’s about strengthening our democracy. Councils and communities’ benefit when the people representing them reflect the full diversity of Wales. I’d urge you to look at what support is available and start that conversation.”
Chief Executive of Disability Wales, Rhian Davies, said: “It is vital for democracy that more disabled people are represented in public and political life, using their lived experience to inform better decision making and ensuring that policies and resources more closely meet the real needs across communities. Through the launch of the Toolkit and the next stage of the Access to Elected Office Fund, DW is proud to be at the forefront of ensuring greater access to political engagement and supporting the development of disabled people as future leaders.”
Disabled people who are interested should visit the Disability Wales website for further information.
Notes to editors
- Disability Wales (DW) is the national membership body of Disabled People’s Organisations in Wales, striving for the rights of all disabled people.
- For more information on the Access to Politics Toolkit, please visit Access to Politics – Disability Wales or contact kat.watkins@disabilitywales.org.
- For information on the Access to Elected Office Fund Wales, please visit Access to Elected Office Fund Wales – Disability Wales or contact electedofficefund@disabilitywales.org.
