International Day of Disabled People: Small Wins, Big wins – The local Power of Access Panels

On 3 December 2025, the world marks the United Nations International Day of Disabled People. This year’s theme is about creating communities where disabled people can fully take part and society becomes fairer.

Advancing social development is not possible without the full inclusion, participation, and leadership of disabled people. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) states that disabled people have the right to live independently and participate fully in all aspects of life. Measures must be taken to enable this.

Yet, in Scotland, disabled people face persistent barriers and inequalities. A key barrier and cause of inequality for disabled people in Scotland and across the world is a lack of accessibility.

By inaccessibility, we are not just referring to physical access. Disabled people should have equal access to physical, social, economic, cultural environments, health, education, information, technology and communication.

The Role of Access Panels

Disability Equality Scotland’s (DES) Access Panel Network is made up of groups of volunteers based in communities across Scotland. These panels work together to advocate for better access and wider inclusion.

Access Panel members volunteer because they have the lived experience of being disabled, of inaccessible services and structures, of being excluded, and life being made harder because they live in a world designed for and by non-disabled people. Ultimately, they are equality champions for their communities and for other disabled people who may not be able to advocate for themselves.

Challenges Identified by Access Panels

Access Panels have told us that, despite human rights duties being in place, they face ongoing challenges. Some of these include:

• Not being included in decision-making processes
• Removal of disabled parking bays
• Closures of public Changing Places toilets
• Housing and public buildings being constructed without inclusive design principles
• Health information only provided in small font
• Ableist attitudes and behaviours

Solutions and Local Action

Although Access Panels receive support and funding from DES and the Scottish Government, they are independent organisations. This independence means they are best placed to innovate for their local areas and address local issues.

Even with limited resources and inconsistent local political support, Access Panels use their lived experiences and expert knowledge to raise awareness of disabled people’s access and inclusion. They drive change from the ground up.

Examples of Access Panel initiatives include:

• Oban Access Panel, working with DES and Sight Scotland, is campaigning for Braille food labelling.
• Clackmannanshire Access Panel is advocating for improved public and community transport services.
• Glasgow Access Panel delivers a range of training programmes.
• Shetland Access Panel is collaborating with the local council and Third Sector Interfaces to begin their work.
• East Dunbartonshire Access Panel is focusing on changes to local housing.

Across Scotland, Access Panels are conducting access audits and consultations on buildings and public spaces. They achieve both small and large wins every day.

Access Panels achieve small and big wins every day. Each win, whether big or small, is an essential step towards instilling disabled people’s rights and inclusion across Scotland and could not be achieved without Access Panel volunteers.

To learn more about Access Panels, their work, and how to get involved, visit the Access Panels website. Individuals and organisations can join, volunteer, or support their local Access Panel to help improve accessibility and inclusion in communities across Scotland.