There has for a long time been a critical need for Politics to be more inclusive and representative of Deaf and disabled people.
The Access to Politics Grassroots Network seeks to address this. It will further the vital work undertaken in the Access to Elected Office Fund Wales in the run up to the 2021 Senedd and 2022 Local Government Elections. It aims to get more Deaf and disabled people interested and involved in politics including standing for Elected Office at national and local level in Wales.
With funding from Welsh Government, this project will be multifaceted with a number of different activities planned:
- The creation of a cross party Disabled Person Politics Network
- Providing peer-to-peer support
- Developing the knowledge and skills to stand as effective candidates
- Providing training and mentoring
- The creation of a Welsh Access to Politics Charter
- Co-produced with those in the Network to set out the best practice for all Political Parties in Wales
- Working with all Political Parties to gain their commitment to implementing the Charter
- The creation of best practice toolkits
- Providing practical information for topics such as getting involved in politics and standing for office
- Advocating for the rights of Disabled People for full and effective participation in political life
- Adhering to Article 29 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Disabled People
Deaf and disabled people who are interested in Politics and/or finding out more should get in touch with our Access to Politics Project Officer, Kat Watkins by emailing kat.watkins@disabilitywales.org.
