Support for d/Deaf and Disabled Women
Don’t get angry, get politically active.
All of our programmes are fully inclusive and supportive spaces, however we recognise the intersections at which some women’s identities sit and we create protected space for women with a shared lived experience to come together. We host certain spaces and resources for all women who are hard of hearing or d/Deaf, have a disability, are neurodivergent, or have a long-term/chronic illness.
Deaf and Disabled Women in Politics Network
In partnership with our friends at Centenary Action Group and the Disability Policy Centre, we run an informal cross-party community space every other month for women to come together, share experiences, resources and opportunities. Whether you are on your way to entering politics, an elected representative, an activist or campaigner, we’d love for you to join us and find community and strength from connecting with women with similar intersecting identities.
To join the network, please email the Disability Policy Centre who will email you the upcoming dates to attend the sessions: contact@dispolcentre.org
What’s it like being a Disabled woman in politics?
Hear from five Disabled women currently in politics about what their experience has been like, alongside their advice for future candidates.
Disabled Women, Activism and Politics Webinar
This webinar hears the experience of Disabled women campaigners, activists and politicians to explore the ways in which campaigning, activism and politics interlink. The discussion also covers the various issues and concerns preventing Disabled women from seeking political office and progressing once they enter into politics.
“ Attending the recent ‘Disability and Activism’ webinar was such an important experience. Very valuable. I felt ‘seen’. Which hasn’t happened in a long time.”
Further Support for Disabled Women in Politics
Inclusion Scotland’s guide for Disabled people
Access Inclusion Scotland’s guide for Disabled people on how to get involved in politics, and for anyone already involved in politics on how to make it more accessible for Disabled people. It includes information on their Access to Politics programme and fund, an overview of the Scottish and UK political system and forms of political participation and the process of running for election and organising a candidate’s campaign.
There are funds available to assist d/Deaf and Disabled people who want to stand for elected office with additional impairment related costs that are a barrier to their participation in politics. Women standing for elected office in Scotland can access the Access To Elected Office Fund Scotland run by Inclusion Scotland, as well as their guidance & support. Women standing in Wales can access the Access to Elected Office Fund Wales run by Disability Wales.
Each political party has a network group focused on those who have disabilities:
Conservative: https://www.conservativedisabilitygroup.com
Labour: https://disabilitylabour.org.uk
Lib Dems: https://disabilitylibdems.org.uk/en/
Scottish Greens: https://mobile.twitter.com/sgp_disabled
Peer Support Circles
Our Peer Support Circles are a fully inclusive programme of women supporting each other as they prepare to stand for elected office. We are however highly aware that some women from under-represented communities seek sisterhood and strength from connecting with women with similar intersecting identities so we are able to place you in a group with other women of similar intersecting identities if you would like.
“ I had a fantastic time, learnt a lot, met some wonderful contacts and the accessibility/inclusion was so well organised and thought out.”
Join our bi-monthly network and meet others to find community and strength from connecting with women with similar intersecting identities
If you’re on your political journey, an elected representative, activist or campaigner you can join now.
To join the network, please email the Disability Policy Centre who will email you the upcoming dates to attend the sessions: contact@dispolcentre.org
If you’re ready to receive all of our support designed specifically for d/Deaf and Disabled women, register today.
Sign up to join the Elect Her community to access all of our self-led resources and live sessions.