Disability Equality Scotland

02/06/2026

As we celebrate Volunteers' Week, we would like to recognise the incredible contribution made by Access Panel volunteers across Scotland.

Access Panels are made up of disabled people and local volunteers who work to improve accessibility and inclusion in their communities. Their dedication helps ensure disabled people’s voices are heard and plays an important role in shaping more accessible places, services and transport networks.

We are looking forward to bringing the Access Panel Network together at our 2026 Access Panel Conference on 17 June at Glasgow Caledonian University and online.

The theme of this year’s Conference is Community, Connection and Collaboration. The event will bring together Access Panel members, disabled people, organisations and partners to explore solutions to the barriers disabled people continue to face in everyday life, while celebrating the impact of volunteer-led action across Scotland.

Thank you to all Access Panel volunteers for the time, commitment and expertise you contribute to making Scotland more accessible and inclusive.

Read more about the Conference: https://disabilityequality.scot/news/access-panel-conference-26

Image description:Graphic celebrating Volunteers' Week. The design has a light grey background with colourful star outlines and decorative shapes around the edges. Large black text in the centre reads, “Thank You to Our Board of Trustees!” At the bottom are the Volunteers’ Week logo and the hashtag . The graphic recognises and thanks board members for their contribution during Volunteers’ Week.

01/06/2026

We are pleased to announce our Inclusive Communication Workshop, taking place online on 23 June 2026.

Communication should be accessible to everyone. This interactive workshop provides practical guidance on creating communications that are inclusive, accessible and effective for disabled people and a wide range of audiences.

The workshop will cover:

• Inclusive and accessible design

• Inclusive and accessible audio and video content

• Inclusive language and attitudes

• Accessible formats

This workshop is suitable for anyone involved in communications, engagement, marketing, training, policy development or service delivery who wants to improve the accessibility and inclusiveness of their work.

Date: 23 June 2026

Time: 10.00 am to 12.30 pm (United Kingdom time)

Location: Zoom

Cost: £215 per person

To register or find out more, visit our website: https://disabilityequality.scot/easy-read-training/

We look forward to welcoming you.

28/05/2026

Today is International Easy Language Day, a day to celebrate the importance of accessible information and inclusion!

The day marks the creation of Inclusion Europe in 1988, whose Easy Language guidelines are still used around the world today.

We are proud to be part of the International Easy Read Community of Practice, a global network of Easy Read writers, artists, and people who use Easy Read, working together to improve accessibility and share best practice.

The group has created a range of free Easy Read resources, including guidance on:

✔️ Using images effectively
✔️ Creating inclusive book clubs
✔️ Easy Read best practice and accessibility

Whether you are new to Easy Read or looking to build your knowledge, these resources are a great place to start.

Download the free resources here: https://disabilityequality.scot/free-easy-read-resources/

Image description: A poster for International Easy Language Day on 28 May. The top section has a teal background with the words “Learn how to write more inclusively” in large white text and “International Easy Language Day 28 May” in smaller yellow text underneath. Below is an overhead photograph of six people sitting in a circle in discussion. In the centre is an orange circle with the words “Free easy read resources”. At the bottom is the logo for the International Easy Read Community of Practice, including a globe and an open book icon.

27/05/2026

Today, we welcomed disabled people, representatives from third sector organisations, and representatives from the Scottish Government to discuss our latest research, What it is like to live in Scotland as a disabled person in 2026.

The findings show that disabled people are still being forced to make impossible choices between paying bills, getting the support they need, and maintaining their independence.

Our CEO, Lucy Mulvagh, called for urgent action from the Scottish Government and Parliament to address the pressures disabled people are facing every day.

Disabled people must be included in decisions about poverty, public services, social security, and independent living. Nothing about us without us.

Read the full report, including the Easy Read version, on the Disability Equality Scotland website: https://disabilityequality.scot/news/cost-of-living-research-scotland-2026/

Image description: Speakers from Disability Equality Scotland address attendees during a conference event in a large hall. Douglas Bryce speaks from a podium while Lucy Mulvagh presents at the front of the room beneath a large presentation slide. Attendees sit at round tables listening and taking notes, with Disability Equality Scotland banners displayed around the venue.

27/05/2026

There is still time to support our call for accessible news for people with a learning disability and everyone who benefits from easy-to-understand information.

Disability Equality Scotland is inviting organisations and supporters to co-sign our open letter to the UK Government calling for accessible and inclusive news coverage across the UK.

🖊️ Please sign the joint letter by 4pm tomorrow.

Read more and sign here: https://disabilityequality.scot/news/accessible-news-open-letter

Image description: Social media graphic from Disability Equality Scotland promoting accessible news. The graphic features the Disability Equality Scotland logo in pink and grey beside a large headline reading “Accessible News for Everyone.” Next to the headline is an image of two people being interviewed on camera beneath a “The NEWS” banner. At the bottom, a pink banner says “Sign the open letter,” alongside a deadline box reading “Sign by 5pm 28 May 2026.” The design uses bold text, high contrast colours, and a clean layout for accessibility.

25/05/2026

Disability Equality Scotland is calling for accessible news for people with a learning disability and everyone who benefits from easy-to-understand information.

We are inviting organisations and supporters to co-sign our open letter to the UK Government calling for accessible and inclusive news coverage across the UK.

🖊️ Sign the joint letter before 5pm on Thursday 28 May 2026.

Read more and sign here: https://disabilityequality.scot/news/accessible-news-open-letter

Image description: Social media graphic from Disability Equality Scotland promoting accessible news. The graphic features the Disability Equality Scotland logo in pink and grey beside a large headline reading “Accessible News for Everyone.” Next to the headline is an image of two people being interviewed on camera beneath a “The NEWS” banner. At the bottom, a pink banner says “Sign the open letter,” alongside a deadline box reading “Sign by 5pm 28 May 2026.” The design uses bold text, high contrast colours, and a clean layout for accessibility.

21/05/2026

We are proud to be one of 42 organisations that have signed a joint letter to First Minister John Swinney, calling for the Scottish Human Rights Bill to be introduced in the first year of the new Parliament.

The letter, coordinated by Human Rights Consortium Scotland, says the Bill would help strengthen human rights protections in Scotland and support people to access their rights in everyday life.

Read more and download the full letter on the Human Rights Consortium Scotland website.

https://www.hrcscotland.org/news/news/human-rights-organisations-urge-first-minister-to-prioritise-human-rights-bill-and-cabinet/

The Consortium, along with a coalition of civil society organisations, have written to the new First Minister, calling for urgent action to strengthen human rights protections across Scotland.

21/05/2026

Today we marked Global Accessibility Awareness Day by hosting a webinar with Access Panels on digital exclusion and accessible online content, delivered by our Training and Access Panel Teams.

Global Accessibility Awareness Day raises awareness of digital access and inclusion and highlights the importance of making websites, apps, online services, and digital content accessible to everyone.

The session explored what digital exclusion means in practice and who is most affected in Scotland. We discussed the real-life impact digital exclusion can have, from missed health appointments and barriers to employment, to difficulties accessing services and information.

Access Panel members shared powerful examples from their own communities and experiences. One person highlighted that “Digital First is one thing, but some services make it so hard to access support or other ways of doing things that it is effectively digital only.”

Another shared that “Card only excludes people,” while others spoke about difficulties booking accessible travel, accessing prescriptions, and the impact of poor internet and mobile coverage in rural areas.

The discussion focused on solutions and the role Access Panels can play locally. This included raising awareness with businesses and public services, promoting digital skills training, and sharing lived experience to improve accessibility.

We shared practical guidance on accessible digital content, including colour contrast, layout, font choice and screen reader compatibility, alongside demonstrations of accessibility tools and examples from local communities.

A huge thank you to everyone from our Access Panel Network who joined the discussion and shared their experiences and ideas. Improving digital accessibility and inclusion is something we all have a role in.

Fore more information about Access Panels, visit: https://accesspanel.scot

For details of our training, visit: https://disabilityequality.scot/easy-read-training/

20/05/2026

Our 2026 Scottish Election surveys will be closing at 4pm this Thursday. Whether you voted at a polling station, by post, or decided not to vote, we want to hear about your experience.

Accessible voting matters. Your feedback can help us understand what worked well, what barriers people faced, and what changes are needed to make future Scottish elections more inclusive for disabled people.

Take part in one of our short surveys:
• Voted at a polling station: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/pollingstationsurvey26/
• Voted by post: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/postalvotesurvey26/
• Did not vote in this election: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/novotesurvey26/
Easy Read versions are also available on our website: https://disabilityequality.scot/news/election-survey-2026/

Image description: A square social media graphic with a bright pink border and a light grey background. At the top left is a pink banner with white text reading: “Scottish Parliament Election 2026”. At the top right is the Disability Equality Scotland logo. Large dark blue text in the centre reads: “How inclusive is voting in Scotland?” A blue megaphone icon appears beside the text. At the bottom, dark blue text reads: “Have your say!” with a pink line above it and a pink circle containing a white tick icon in the bottom right corner.

19/05/2026

Join the Disability Equality Scotland Board of Directors 📢

We are recruiting up to six volunteers to join our Board and help shape the future of Disability Equality Scotland.

As a Board member, you will:
✅ Support the strategic direction of a national Disabled People’s Organisation
✅ Work closely with fellow Board members, our CEO, staff, Access Panels, and stakeholders
✅ Help ensure our work continues to meet the needs of the people and communities we serve

This voluntary role requires a maximum commitment of 8 days per year, including quarterly online Board meetings, our AGM, and annual Access Panel Conference.

We provide:
✔ Induction and training
✔ Accessible materials and support
✔ Reimbursement of reasonable expenses

Closing date for applications: Friday 12 June 2026

Find out more and access the application pack on our website:
disabilityequality.scot/join-us/

Image description: Graphic promoting a Board opportunity with Disability Equality Scotland. The image features the text ‘Join Us! Board Opportunity’ and ‘Closing date: Friday 12 June 2026’ alongside the Disability Equality Scotland logo and an illustration of a megaphone on a pink, grey, and dark blue background