Disability Equality Scotland is a disabled people’s organisation (DPO), led by and working for disabled people. We are also a membership-led organisation and listen to the views of our members, championing their voices.
Who we are
We are a national charity working to make life more accessible, equal and inclusive for disabled people in Scotland.
We represent the views of individuals with any type of impairment, as well as disability organisations and groups who share Disability Equality Scotland’s values.
We work to influence the policies of the Scottish Government which affect how disabled people live. We also work to encourage others to be inclusive and informed in their attitudes towards disabled people.
We are the umbrella organisation for Access Panels in Scotland. They are unique to Scotland. They are groups of disabled volunteers who work together to improve physical access and wider social inclusion in their local communities.
We work in partnership with other disabled people’s organisations, the Scottish Government, public bodies and third sector organisations to deliver this support.
We have a staff team and Trustees who are passionate about disability inclusion and equality. We use this expertise and knowledge to support our work across Scotland.
Our vision
Working towards equality, inclusion and participation for disabled people in Scotland.
Our mission
Our mission at Disability Equality Scotland is to give all disabled people in Scotland a voice, and to listen with trust, care and empathy.
We use what we hear to advocate for disabled people and enable change to improve lives.
How we work
We achieve this by working with:
- Members
- Access Panels
- Partners and stakeholders
Working with members
We are led by our members.
We engage with our members, share opportunities for partnership working, promote good practice and use a shared voice to influence change.
We ensure our members’ views are known and their voices are heard. We create opportunities for members to take part in issues that matter to them.
Working with Access Panels
We support Access Panels in Scotland as the umbrella body for the network. We help Access Panels achieve their goals at a local level.
We promote Access Panels and ensure stakeholders are aware of their skills and the benefits that engagement with Access Panels brings to the wider community.
We work to ensure the Access Panel network is sustainable and future proofed. This includes retaining, enhancing and developing skills to support local community planning and collaboration with Local Authorities, public bodies and private organisations.
We seek opportunities to strengthen the financial sustainability of Access Panels as key partners in the Scottish Government’s Democracy Matters agenda.
Working with partners and stakeholders
We collaborate with partners across all sectors where working together helps achieve equal participation for disabled people and brings about change.
We work to be an effective partner by building our knowledge, experience and networks so that people’s voices are heard and understood.
We use our members’ lived experience to show how things are and identify what needs to change. We share these experiences to support improvement.
We seek opportunities to work with organisations and individuals who can act as ambassadors and promote our work.
Join Disability Equality Scotland
Membership is free. Become part of our growing community and help improve equality and accessibility across Scotland
Join today using our online membership form.
©2026 Disability Equality Scotland