For immediate release
Former recipients of the Access to Elected Office Fund Wales are calling on disabled people across the country to utilise the support available to them, especially as the number of Senedd seats is increasing from 60 to 96 this May.
The Access to Elected Office Fund Wales, delivered by Disability Wales and funded by the Welsh Government, provides financial support with impairment-related costs for disabled candidates in the 2026 Senedd and 2027 Local Government elections. This includes funding for British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters, personal assistants, accessible transport, and assistive technology.
Previous applicant, Neal, who applied for support from a personal assistant (PA), said: “It is a great scheme and very helpful for disabled people. The application process is easy and it doesn’t cost anything. It was the best thing I did when I stood and hopefully the Fund will help me when I stand again.”
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.
Another previous candidate, Zoe, applied for support with transport costs. She said: “I didn’t have to stress about getting lifts and fitting in with other people. The money paid for taxis that took me directly from my home to wherever I was campaigning that day. I was able to focus on the job and campaign better.”
Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant, said: “The Access to Elected Office Fund is a vital part of our commitment to ensuring that every disabled person who wants to participate fully in public life in Wales can do so without facing unnecessary barriers.
“Democracy is strongest when it reflects the diversity of our communities, and this fund helps make that possible. I encourage anyone who is considering standing for election to explore the support available and take that next step with confidence.”
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.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
- Disability Wales (DW) is the national membership body of Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) in Wales, striving for the rights of all disabled people.
- Information videos with BSL interpretation can be seen at: https://youtu.be/8rccQb52Cwg or https://youtu.be/BPE1S5CWvvQ
- Interviews with previous candidates can be arranged on request. For media enquiries, please contact jessica.hatchett@disabilitywales.org.
