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

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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

10. Get in Touch Inclusion Scotland
Facebook:
Instagram:
Twitter:
Ethan Young:
Mobile:
civic-participation/