National Access Panel Conference to Spotlight Disabled People’s Voices and Accessibility
Disability Equality Scotland is pleased to share that this year’s summer Access Panel Conference will take place online and in person at Glasgow Caledonian University on Wednesday 17 June.
Access Panels are groups of disabled people and local volunteers who work to improve accessibility and inclusion in their communities. The network play an important role in ensuring disabled people’s voices help influence change at a local level across Scotland.
The theme for this year’s Conference is “Community, Connection and Collaboration”. It will bring together Access Panel members, disabled people, organisations, and partners to focus on solutions to the barriers disabled people continue to face in everyday life.
The Conference will highlight the important role Panels play in helping shape more accessible places, services, and transport networks. Key public and third sector organisations will also attend, including ScotRail, who will speak about their work to improve accessibility and engagement with disabled people.
Attendees will have opportunities to connect, collaborate, and explore how organisations can work together to make communities more inclusive for everyone. Discussions throughout the day will focus on sharing ideas, strengthening partnerships, and building on the strong sense of community across the Access Panel Network.
Chris Walker, Access Panel Network Engagement Team Lead, said:
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Panels to this year’s Conference.
“It is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the work happening in communities, share experiences, and build new connections that will help support future progress.”

Lucy Mulvagh, Chief Executive Officer of Disability Equality Scotland, said:
“Access Panels are making a real difference in communities. Their work helps improve everyday access to transport, public spaces, services, and information for disabled people.
“This Conference is about bringing people together to learn from each other, strengthen partnerships, and continue pushing for a more accessible and inclusive society.”
More information about the Access Panel Conference will be shared soon.
Disability Equality Scotland is a national charity working to make life more accessible, equal and inclusive for disabled people in Scotland. We promote access in its widest sense, including access to the built and natural environment and access to the same opportunities as are enjoyed by others in our communities thus promoting a life of dignity, respect, choice and independence. This extends beyond physical access to include access to information, access to inclusive communication and inclusion in decision-making, whether with planners over inclusive design or transport providers about accessible travel. 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.
https://disabilityequality.scot/
Access Panels are groups of volunteers who work to improve access and inclusion for disabled people in their local community. They do this by raising awareness and helping to change attitudes among the general public about the need for inclusive access.
They are made up of people of all ages and abilities who share a passion for the issues faced by disabled people. With the help of Disability Equality Scotland as the national umbrella body, Access Panels support their communities to become as accessible as possible, particularly in relation to the built environment, healthcare, employment, education, and transport.