Disabled people can swing the Scottish election vote to create a fairer Scotland says Tressa Burke of Glasgow Disability Alliance

Election time brings to life that little slice of equal power we all have, every four or five years, to cast our votes: to choose who will represent us in parliament and make key decisions about the kind of Scotland we want to live in.

And disabled people know better than most how precious that right is - the right to have your say in decisions that affect you – to be listened to, and to participate in shaping the kind of life you want to lead, and the kind of society you want to live in.

As disabled people we know equal participation is so much more than a cross on our ballot papers.

Disabled people know all too well that simply taking part in our own lives and communities can seem like an impossible dream.

Going to school, having friends, exploring our interests, developing our talents, finding an occupation, finding love and a place to call home, starting a family, building a network of friends and support – in short, the rich opportunities that Scotland has to offer are still out of reach for too many disabled Scots.

As disabled people we know equal participation is so much more than a cross on our ballot papers

Tressa Burke

Despite considerable progress, hard-won by activists and allies over the years, today our equality is still hampered by inaccessible buildings and transport, by negative attitudes, low expectations, and not getting the right support and adaptations we need.

This myriad of barriers means we are still much more likely to be unemployed, to have no qualifications, to be living in poverty, to be socially isolated – and austerity has made this even worse, with 50% of the cuts hitting disabled peoples’ services and support.

This week Glasgow Disability Alliance launched our Manifesto for Equal Participation, asking all MSP candidates to commit to actions that we firmly believe are crucial for a Fairer Scotland, in which disabled people can participate, contribute, and realise our potential, on an equal basis with all other citizens.

After eight years of austerity, Scotland needs MSPs who will continue listening to and involving those of us at the sharp end of inequality, in driving forward the actions we need for a Fairer Scotland.

Over the next 7 days, we are asking all parties and MSP candidates to tell us how they will work with disabled people to drive forward these four essential actions for a Fairer Scotland where disabled people can participate fully and equally.

At our manifesto launch event this week, over 100 of our most active GDA members came together to do what GDA members do best: support each other to learn and take part in raising our voices and showing the world what we have to contribute: on this occasion, braving the elements to turn Glasgow Green purple in a musical extravaganza – our answers were unmistakably ‘blowing in the wind’, along with our purple ponchos!

Our 3,000+ GDA members are living proof that confident, connected people thrive and contribute – with the right support.

Whomever we elect next week, we will be ready to work with them from the get-go, to play our part in a stronger, fairer and thriving Scotland.