Press Release: Disabled People in Wales Encouraged to Stand for Election with New Access to Elected Office Fund

Disability Wales logo which has the organisation name in English and Welsh in plain text on a white background. The words are framed on the left hand side by four spirals in DW's trademark blue and orange colours.

For immediate release

Disability Wales is calling on disabled people across the country to shape the future of Welsh democracy, with funding available to help address barriers to candidacy for disabled people in the 2026 Senedd and 2027 Local Government elections.

The Access to Elected Office Fund Wales, delivered by Disability Wales and funded by the Welsh Government, 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.

Disabled people remain underrepresented in political life. The Fund is a practical step towards changing that, by removing some of the barriers that disabled candidates face and supporting equal access to democratic participation.

Wales made history in 2020 as the first nation in the UK to launch such a fund at the community council level, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive, representative democracy. The Fund continues to ensure that disabled people can engage fully in the political process, on an equal footing with non-disabled candidates.

The Fund is non-Partisan and open to candidates standing for a political party or as an independent.

Speaking on the Fund’s launch, Rhian Davies, Chief Executive of Disability Wales, said: “Following the success of the pilot scheme which supported numerous disabled people standing in the previous Senedd and local government elections, Disability Wales is delighted once more to be delivering the Access to Elected Office Fund. 

“It is vital for democracy and political representation that disabled people have the same opportunity as others to stand in forthcoming elections. The Fund plays a vital role in helping to remove barriers encountered by disabled people when campaigning for election. 

“With the expansion of the Senedd and new voting system, we look forward to many more disabled candidates applying to the Fund at this exciting time in the history of devolution in Wales.”

Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant, added: “Our democracy is strongest when it represents all voices, and this fantastic initiative reflects our shared commitment to breaking down barriers and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate fully in public life.

“I’m particularly pleased that the scheme is being administered independently by Disability Wales, ensuring both impartiality and confidentiality for all applicants.

“I encourage all Senedd Members to help raise awareness of this scheme so that as many eligible individuals as possible can benefit from this vital support.”

Disabled people interested in applying to the Fund should visit the Disability Wales website or email electedofficefund@disabilitywales.org for further information.

All applications are anonymised before being reviewed by a decision panel consisting of individuals with lived experience of disability and expertise in making reasonable adjustments.

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