Disability Equality Scotland

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

15/05/2026

It is Mental Health Awareness Week 💜

We are proud to support the important work of the Mental Health Foundation, encouraging everyone to take action for good mental health.

Small everyday actions can make a real difference to wellbeing at home, at work, and in our communities.

Take a look at their tips and resources below.

14/05/2026

We are delighted to welcome Lucy Mulvagh as the new Chief Executive Officer of Disability Equality Scotland!

Lucy joins us from the Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE), bringing a strong background in policy, research and championing the voices of disabled people.

Speaking about starting in the role, Lucy said:

“I am incredibly proud to have joined Disability Equality Scotland at such an important time. What has already stood out to me is the passion, expertise and commitment across the organisation, our members and Access Panels.

I am looking forward to listening, learning and working together to challenge barriers and influence change. I am also excited to begin meeting and connecting with disabled people, organisations and partners across Scotland as we continue working towards a more inclusive and accessible society.”

We are excited for this new chapter and look forward to working with Lucy as we continue striving for equality, inclusion and accessibility across Scotland.

Image description: A welcome graphic from Disability Equality Scotland featuring the organisation’s logo and the text: “Welcome! Lucy Mulvagh, Chief Executive Officer.” On the right-hand side is a circular portrait photo of Lucy smiling, resting her chin on her hand and wearing glasses and a blue jumper. The design uses pink and dark blue shapes on a light grey background.

13/05/2026

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:

• Voting at a polling station: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/pollingstationsurvey26/
• Voting by post: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/postalvotesurvey26/
• Not voting 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.

12/05/2026

📢 Applications are now open for Partners in Policymaking 2026–2027, delivered by In Control Scotland with funding from The Scottish Government.

This leadership development programme is for disabled adults (18+) and parents of disabled children (under 18), supporting people to build confidence, leadership skills, and become strong voices for equality and human rights.

Many past participants describe the programme as life changing and go on to take on leadership roles locally and nationally.

📍 The programme will run over 8 residential weekends at Stirling Court Hotel between September 2026 and March 2027.

📅 Application closing date: 26 June 2026

To request an application form or find out more: info@in-controlscotland.org.uk

EXCITING NEWS........ As you may have already heard, we have received funding to bring back the fantastic 'Partners in Policymaking' programme. We will be running the programme over 8 residential sessions from September 2026 - March 2027 at Stirling Court Hotel in Stirling. Please share the information with any parents of disabled children (up to the age of 18) and any disabled adults (18 and over) you may know and think would be interested in applying for a place on the programme.😀