FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Disability Wales has launched its 2026–2031 Manifesto, From Barely Surviving to Truly Thriving, alongside a new commitment card designed to hold political parties and candidates accountable ahead of the 2026 Senedd Elections and beyond.
Developed through coproduction with Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) including surveys, focus groups, and contributions from more than 250 disabled people across Wales, the manifesto sets out five urgent Calls for Change that would finally begin to address the systemic barriers disabled people face.
Disabled people in Wales continue to experience exclusion, inaccessible services, weak rights enforcement, and the ongoing impacts of austerity, the pandemic and worsening cost-of-living pressures. Rights remain theoretical rather than real in practice. The message from disabled people is clear: we are being pushed into survival mode.
Five Calls for Change
These Calls represent the minimum action needed for disabled people in Wales to move from barely surviving to truly thriving:
- Incorporate the UNCRDP into Welsh Law – delivering enforceable rights, not aspirations.
- Deliver a Robust, Long-Term Disabled People’s Rights Plan – including a Minister for Disabled People and sustained investment in DPOs.
- Champion Disabled Leadership and Governance – ensuring disabled people lead decision-making.
- Guarantee the Right to Independent Living – with reform across care, housing and health systems.
- Devolve Welfare and Benefits to Wales – creating a fair, dignified, co-produced system aligned to the Social Model of Disability.
The Disability Wales Commitment Form
Disability Wales has also launched a new public Commitment Form, inviting every political party and every candidate to:
- state clearly where they stand on each of the five Calls
- demonstrate that disabled people’s rights are a priority
- record their commitments publicly
- ensure disabled voters can easily compare responses
The responses will be updated throughout the campaign and used after the election to monitor delivery and implementation. It is designed to support disabled people when engaging with candidates at the doorstep, hustings, community events, and online.
Why This Matters
Disabled people in Wales continue to face barriers in accessing basic rights, from independent living to fair employment. Without legislative incorporation our rights remain aspirational rather than enforceable. The manifesto sets out practical steps to move from ‘barely surviving to truly thriving’, ensuring that disabled people are not just supported but celebrated.
Rhian Davies, Chief Executive of Disability Wales, said:
“DW’s vision is for an inclusive, equitable and barrier free society. Disabled people in Wales deserve more than mere survival. We deserve the right to truly flourish and thrive.
Following the recent Module 2 Covid-19 Inquiry Report which criticised government failure to appreciate the level of risk faced by disabled people resulting in escalating death rates and a reversal of rights, this manifesto is a call to action for all political parties to commit to real change. Together, we can move from surviving to thriving.”
Disability Wales urges all political parties to adopt these five calls and work with us to build a Wales where rights are upheld, voices are heard, and thriving is the standard not the exception.
Natalie Jarvis, Policy and Research Officer at Disability Wales, said:
“As someone involved in the co-production of this manifesto alongside Disabled People’s Organisations and the voices of hundreds of disabled people across Wales, I have heard stories of exhaustion, frustration and injustice but also of hope, resilience and vision.
Disabled people know exactly what needs to change. What we need now is the political will to act and for parties to commit to our Calls within their own manifestos ahead of the elections. That is how they show us they stand with us and intend to make the changes needed for disabled people to live fuller, better lives. These Calls are achievable and long overdue.”
NOTES TO EDITORS
Disability Wales is the national membership body of Disabled People’s Organisations in Wales striving for the rights of all disabled people.
The manifesto was developed through surveys, focus groups, and consultation with disabled people across Wales.
The online launch event included a presentation of the Manifesto and responses from panels representing Disabled People’s Organisations and political parties.
Media Contact: info@disabilitywales.org | 02920 887325
