Paragraph 1 – Background In October 2025, Inclusion Scotland, one of the country’s leading Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs), published the Manifesto for Inclusion 2026. This manifesto outlines key priorities aimed at addressing long-standing inequalities faced by disabled individuals in Scotland. The document is intended to guide political parties and candidates in the upcoming Scottish Parliament elections, urging them to commit to concrete policies that promote inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunity across all areas of life.

Paragraph 2 – Key Priorities The manifesto identifies seven central priorities, including independent living, adequate financial support, equal access to education and employment, active participation in society, inclusive climate policies, social care reform, and incorporation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities into domestic law. Each priority reflects the lived experiences of disabled people and highlights areas where systemic change is urgently needed. The document stresses that these are not new demands, but long-standing calls that require immediate political action.

Paragraph 3 – Significance This manifesto is significant because it positions disabled people as experts on their own lives and as active agents in shaping policy. By clearly articulating demands, it strengthens accountability for governments and provides a framework for measuring progress. It also serves as a reminder that achieving true inclusion requires not just legislation but sustained funding, social support, and cultural change across Scottish society. The manifesto is therefore both a roadmap and a benchmark for future disability rights initiatives.

Your Thoughts

Question 1: Which of the manifesto’s priorities do you feel is most urgent and why?

I don’t believe that any one of the manifesto’s priorities is more important than the others. For a person living with disabilities, all of these areas—independent living, financial support, education, employment, social participation, and human rights protections—are interconnected and essential to daily life. Focusing on just one priority at the expense of the others would not adequately address the full range of challenges that disabled individuals face. Meaningful progress requires a holistic approach that ensures all of these areas are supported and strengthened simultaneously.

Question 2: How could implementing these priorities improve daily life for disabled people in Scotland?

I feel that implementing these priorities would help disabled people feel more included and “normal” in society. Everyone deserves the chance to access opportunities and resources that allow them to live fulfilling lives, regardless of disability. By ensuring that disabled individuals have access to education, employment, social participation, and the supports they need, society acknowledges that they deserve the same options and opportunities as anyone else. Providing these opportunities not only empowers disabled people but also reinforces the principle that having a disability should not limit one’s ability to live a full and meaningful life.

Question 3: Are there areas you think the manifesto should address that are currently missing or underrepresented?

I don’t believe the manifesto should focus on one specific area over others. Instead, the overall priority should be ensuring that disabled people are fully included in decision-making processes. It is rare to see disabled individuals represented in government positions where they can directly influence policies that affect their lives. Only those with lived experience truly understand what disabled people need. Encouraging and supporting disabled people to serve in government would not only provide authentic representation but also ensure that constituents’ needs are accurately addressed, creating policies that are informed by real-life experience rather than assumptions.

Question to Consider

What strategies could the Scottish Government use to ensure that the commitments in the Manifesto for Inclusion 2026 are not only adopted but effectively implemented to bring about real improvements in the lives of disabled people?

Sources

1. Manifesto for Inclusion 2026 – Inclusion Scotland 2. Scotland’s next government must act on disability rights, says new disabled people’s manifesto – Disability News Service 3. Disability rights in Scotland – The Guardian