Reducing the barriers to civic participation Inclusion Scotland Reducing the barriers to civic participation

What is civic participation? Involvement of everyday people in the political and public sphere directly or indirectly through civic action. Participation in activities deemed political or social by nature Individuals that become involved in processes and issues that affect the community.

Ways to participate? Vote Protest Stay informed on political issues that impact your community Join a local/national group of interest that is active making a change Attend and consider running for community council Boycotting products.

Ways to participate cont…? Use your parliament (it only takes one person to sign a petition) Write to your councillor/MSP/MP or meet with then to discuss changes you wish to see. Run to be a councillor/MSP/MP This list is not exhaustive.

Access to Elected Office Fund Scotland Funds impairment related costs that non disabled people don’t face to level the playing field. The Pilot received 44 applications, 39 became candidates and 15 were elected. Continued to be available for by-elections. Opened this week for those running for selection for the Scottish Parliament Election. Please spread the word far and wide! I can get information to you.

Advice and Support Disabled people – a whole range of level and experience. Organisations and people who work in or around politics. Political Parties – events, comms etc.

The Access to Politics Charter Coproduced with our activist network of disabled people. Designed to take the political parties on a journey to start implementing best practise and become more inclusive. Charter points with back up guidance notes We will ask parties what they have done to implement each point and publish on our website.

Barriers to Participation Lack of confidence that disabled people have in themselves (often due to having had to fight hard to simply meet their basic human rights and access independent living) Poverty Stigma/attitudes Additional impairment related cost Unmet support needs

Barriers to Participation cont…? Non-accessible information Non-accessible buildings and general environment Lack of access to communications support Lack of confidence in what can disabled people contribute Lack of confidence in the value of lived experience

Get in Touch Inclusion Scotland Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InclusionScotland/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inclusionscotland Twitter: https://twitter.com/InclusionScot Ethan Young: accesspolitics@inclusionscotland.org Mobile: 07717 858405 http://inclusionscotland.org/what-we-do/employability-and civic-participation/