Political Participation of Disabled People in Europe

Thisseminar examines the social inclusion of disabled people in Europe from the perspective of political participation.

Speakers: Mark Priestley & Ema Loja

Abstract

This paper examines the social inclusion of disabled people in Europe from the perspective of political participation. Taking a broad view of participation, access to voting is situated in the wider relations of political institutions, citizenship and civil society. Research was conducted in the 28 EU Member States on behalf of the European Commission and the European Agency for Fundamental Rights to support the EU-level monitoring framework of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The methods included secondary analysis of European survey data, desk research, and enquiries by networks of national experts. The resulting data populated 53 qualitative and quantitative indicators, disseminated to impact on the inclusion of disabled people in political processes, including the 2014 European and municipal elections. The findings indicate the need for four lines of action: (a) lifting legal and administrative barriers; (b) increasing rights awareness; (c) making political participation more accessible; (d) expanding opportunities for political participation in wider public and political life. Civil society organisations and social movements, as well as public institutions, have an important role to play as change agents in this regard.

Location Details

Social Sciences Building, Level 12, 12.21/12.25