Disability Equality Scotland

20/04/2026

The Scottish Parliament election takes place on 7 May 2026. The deadline to register to vote is today (midnight, Monday 20 April 2026), so make sure you are registered to take part.

Political parties publish manifestos before an election. A manifesto is a document that sets out what a party stands for and what it plans to do if it is elected. It helps voters understand each party’s priorities and decide who to vote for.

We have created an Accessible Manifesto Tracker to show which formats political parties are providing, including Audio, Braille, British Sign Language (BSL), Easy Read, Large Print and Plain Text.

We are disappointed by the lack of accessible formats currently available and the inconsistency across parties.

Inclusive communication is essential to a fair and democratic election. Everyone should have equal access to information so they can understand the issues and make informed choices.

Find out more, view the tracker and access voting guides on our website:
https://disabilityequality.scot/news/scottish-parliament-election-2026/

Image description: Graphic titled “Scottish Parliament Election 2026 Accessible Manifesto Tracker” on a pink background. A table compares six political parties: Scottish Conservative and Unionist, Scottish Greens, Scottish Labour, Scottish Liberal Democrats, Reform UK, and Scottish National Party (SNP).

Rows show accessible formats: Audio, Braille, British Sign Language (BSL), Easy Read, Large Print, and Plain Text. Green tick icons show when a format is available and red cross icons show when it is not.

Scottish Conservative and Unionist: no accessible formats available
Scottish Greens: Easy Read only
Scottish Labour: Large Print only
Scottish Liberal Democrats: Audio and Plain Text
Reform UK: no accessible formats available
Scottish National Party (SNP): Braille and Large Print

No parties provide British Sign Language (BSL). A key in the top right explains the tick and cross symbols. At the bottom, the Disability Equality Scotland logo appears alongside the text “Information correct at the time of publishing.”

16/04/2026

Everyone’s Vote Matters is a community led project offering free, neutral and accessible voting guides. These guides help people understand how voting works in Scotland ahead of the 2026 election on Thursday 7 May.

The guides are available in:
• More than 20 languages
• Easy Read
• Large Print and screen reader friendly formats
• Audio formats (English)

They support New Scots, disabled people, young first time voters, and anyone who faces barriers accessing clear voting information.

Image description: Illustration of a hand placing a ballot paper with a QR code into a voting box. Text reads “Free, neutral and inclusive voting guides for everyone.” A list shows formats available: 20+ languages, large print, Easy Read and audio. A heart with the Scottish flag is shown. At the bottom, the text says “Your voice. Your home. Your vote.” and “everyonesvotematters.com”.

Find out more and access the guides: https://www.everyonesvotematters.com/

15/04/2026

Are you a small third sector organisation or community group based in Scotland? If so, our Easy Read training may be a great fit for you.

We have reduced the cost of this training to make it more affordable for smaller organisations. Our aim is to support more people and organisations across Scotland to use Easy Read in their work.

Easy Read is a highly effective way to share information that is clear, accessible and inclusive for a wide range of people.

This training course will take place in May.

If you would like to find out more, please visit our training website: https://disabilityequality.scot/easy-read-training/

You can also contact us by email at training@disabilityequality.scot

Image description: Purple promotional graphic for Disability Equality Scotland. Text reads: “Easy Read training for small Scottish third sector organisations and community groups in Scotland.” It also says “Learn how to make your information clear, accessible and inclusive” and “Book now!” A photo shows a person using a laptop displaying the words “Easy Read.” A link is included for more information.

13/04/2026

We are really pleased to share that Lucy Mulvagh has been appointed as our new CEO.

Lucy is joining us from the Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE), where she is Director of Policy, Research and Impact.

Lucy shared:
“I am honoured to take on this role at such a critical time. I am passionate about advancing disabled people’s human rights and working together to drive real change.”

We look forward to welcoming Lucy to Disability Equality Scotland in May.

Read more: https://disabilityequality.scot/news/new-chief-executive-officer-appointed-at-disability-equality-scotland/

Image description: Lucy Mulvagh smiling at the camera. She is wearing glasses and a blue jumper, with her hand resting on her chin.

10/04/2026

“Good communication makes me feel included… like I matter.”

The Foundation Inclusive Communication Toolkit for Scotland is grounded in real experiences like this.

It helps public bodies understand how communication shapes how people feel, participate and engage with services.

View the toolkit: https://www.gov.scot/publications/inclusive-communication-toolkit/

Image description: Graphic titled “Foundation Inclusive Communication Toolkit for Scotland” with logos for Communication Inclusion People, Scottish Government, and Disability Equality Scotland. A quote reads: “Good communication makes me feel included. It makes me feel like I matter, that I have something to give, and I am valued.” Beside the quote is a headshot of Elliott, identified as a co-producer.

09/04/2026

Last month, we celebrated International Women’s Day by recognising the impact of Judy Heumann (1947–2023).

Judy spent her lifetime advocating for disability equality in America.

The changes she brought about were pivotal for disabled people and their rights.

Find out more about Judy and her incredible legacy in our Easy Read:
https://disabilityequality.scot/news/celebrating-judy-heumann-easy-read-available/

Image description:
Graphic with the text “Have you heard of… Judy Heumann?” on a dark blue background with stars and spotlight illustrations. In the centre is a photo of a smiling woman with short light-brown hair and red glasses. The Disability Equality Scotland logo appears in the bottom left.

07/04/2026

Today is World Health Day 2026, led by the World Health Organization (WHO), a global moment to come together and reflect on the importance of health and wellbeing for everyone, everywhere.

This year’s theme, Stand with Science, highlights how research and evidence shape everything from vaccines and treatments to mental health support and clean environments.

Today is about supporting trusted information, sharing our experiences, and championing science led solutions that help people and communities live healthier lives.

Image description: A pink and white graphic for World Health Day 2026. The title “World Health Day 2026” appears at the top in bold pink text. Below, dark blue text reads: “A global moment to think about health, wellbeing, and how we can improve it together.” On the right, there is an illustration of a hand holding a red heart with a white medical cross. At the bottom left is the Disability Equality Scotland logo.

03/04/2026

Happy Easter from Disability Equality Scotland! 🌸

Please note that our office is closed for the long weekend. We will reopen on Tuesday 7 April and respond to messages then.

Image description: A bright pink graphic with white text reading “Happy Easter! Please note that our office is closed for the long weekend.” The Disability Equality Scotland logo is at the top, with decorative bunting above and patterned Easter eggs in teal and white along the bottom.

02/04/2026

World Autism Acceptance Month starts today 💜

The Act Now for Autistic Rights campaign by the National Autistic Society Scotland is calling on all political parties to commit to introducing the Learning Disability, Autism and Neurodivergence (LDAN) Bill as soon as possible after the Holyrood election.

The Bill aims to improve support and outcomes for autistic people. This includes better access to diagnosis, mandatory training in public services, and stronger national and local strategies. It also aims to improve accountability, so people get the support they need.

We are pleased to support this important campaign and stand alongside autistic people across Scotland.

Find out more and take action
https://act.autism.org.uk/page/184311/action/1

World Autism Acceptance Month (WAAM) starts today! 💜

It’s time to come together, raise awareness and show solidarity. This year is especially important as it coincides with our Act Now for Autistic Rights campaign. We are calling for the introduction of the Learning Disability Autism and Neurodivergence (LDAN) Bill ahead of the Holyrood election.

The LDAN Bill can make a difference across education, diagnosis, healthcare and employment for autistic people.

WAAM represents a vital opportunity for autistic voices to be heard this election. So far, almost 3,500 letters have been sent to party leaders as part of our campaign, and we need more to ensure all parties Act Now for Autistic Rights in the next Parliament.

Send a letter to party leaders today 👇 https://act.autism.org.uk/page/184311/action/1

Access our resources to advocate for change 👇 https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/campaign/scotland

01/04/2026

Are you a small third sector organisation or community group in Scotland? Then our Easy Read training might be for you!

We have reduced the cost to make the training more affordable for small organisations. We want more people across Scotland to use Easy Read, and we are here to support you.

Easy Read is a fantastic way to provide clear, accessible and inclusive information.

This training course will run in May.

If you want to find out more, please visit our training website https://disabilityequality.scot/easy-read-training/ or email us at training@disabilityequality.scot.

Image description: Purple promotional graphic for Disability Equality Scotland. Text reads “Easy Read training for small Scottish third sector organisations and community groups in Scotland.” It says “Learn how to make your information clear, accessible and inclusive” and “Book now!” A photo shows a person using a laptop displaying the words “Easy Read.” A link is included for more information.

30/03/2026

The Scottish Parliament voted not to pass the Assisted Dying Bill following a detailed debate.

This is a complex and sensitive issue, with strong views around choice, dignity, safeguards and disabled people’s rights.

We will continue to follow this closely and ensure disabled people’s voices are heard.

Read more: https://disabilityequality.scot/news/update-on-assisted-dying-bill-in-scotland/

Image description: Purple graphic with the text “Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill” over a blurred image of the Scottish Parliament chamber.

26/03/2026

The Foundation Inclusive Communication Toolkit for Scotland launched this week!

As a partner organisation, we were really pleased to work alongside Communication Inclusion People and The Scottish Government on this important piece of work. The toolkit gives simple, practical guidance to help people communicate in ways that are clear, accessible and inclusive.

We were delighted to be joined by the Minister for Equalities, Kaukab Stewart MSP, who spoke about the importance of making communication accessible to everyone.

It was also great to hear from co-producers, whose experiences and insights are at the heart of this work and show why inclusive communication matters in everyday life.

You can view the toolkit here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/inclusive-communication-toolkit/

Alternative formats of the toolkit are also available.

Image descriptions:

Image 1 – A slide from the launch of the Inclusive Communication Toolkit called Practical. It explains that the toolkit is free, easy to use, co produced, and includes clear standards, ongoing improvement, and practical resources.

Image 2 - A split screen from the online launch of the Inclusive Communication Toolkit showing a British Sign Language interpreter and the Minister for Equalities speaking.

Image 3 - A slide from the launch of the Inclusive Communication Toolkit called Quick definition. It explains that inclusive communication helps more people understand and express themselves, across different ways of communicating and in different settings.

Image 4 - A split screen from the online launch of the Inclusive Communication Toolkit showing a British Sign Language interpreter and a speaker, Alan McGregor, sharing their experience.

Image 5 - A slide from the launch of the Inclusive Communication Toolkit showing the five modules in the toolkit. These are Introduction, Why it matters, Standards and indicators, Organisation level standards, and Individual level standards.

Image 6 - A split screen from the online launch of the Inclusive Communication Toolkit showing a British Sign Language interpreter and another speaker, Emma Pauley, taking part.

Image 7 - A screenshot of the Scottish Government website page for the Inclusive Communication Toolkit. It shows information about the toolkit and links to the different sections.