Inclusion Scotland released its Manifesto for Inclusion 2026 on October 16, 2025, urging the next Scottish government to prioritize disabled people’s rights ahead of the 2026 Parliament elections. The document, shaped by workshops with disabled individuals across Scotland, highlights long standing issues like underfunding and threats to support systems amid rising living costs.
Core Demands in the Manifesto
The manifesto outlines seven key areas where change is essential to help disabled people live fuller lives. It stresses that past promises have often fallen short, leading to ongoing inequality.
Disabled groups have faced renewed challenges, including cuts to vital services and an inadequate social care system. The call comes at a time when Scotland grapples with high poverty rates among disabled residents, with nearly one in seven working age Scots now relying on disability benefits.1
Experts note that without action, these problems will worsen, especially with uncertain funding for disabled people’s organizations. The manifesto pushes for real involvement of disabled voices in all decisions.
Push for Independent Living and Better Care
Reform of the adult social care system tops the list of priorities. The group demands radical changes to make care a true right, including scrapping all charges for non residential support.
This would ease the burden on thousands who struggle daily with access to services. Currently, many disabled Scots face long waits and inconsistent help, which traps them in cycles of dependency.
The manifesto also seeks higher levels for the Adult Disability Payment to lift people out of poverty. Recent data shows take up rates for Scottish benefits remain low, with only about 70 percent of eligible claimants receiving support as of October 2025.
To illustrate the funding challenges, consider this comparison of current and proposed support:
| Aspect | Current Situation | Manifesto Proposal |
|---|---|---|
| Social Care Charges | Fees for non-residential care apply | Remove all charges completely |
| Disability Payment | Standard rates, partial take-up | Increase levels to combat poverty |
| Funding Gap | £770m shortfall projected | Fair funding for DPOs and full coverage |
Such steps could transform lives, drawing from lessons of past crises like COVID-19.
Employment and Education Opportunities
Access to work remains a major barrier, with the manifesto calling for devolution of the Access to Work scheme to Scotland. A new version co designed with disabled people would better fit local needs.
This ties into broader education reforms to ensure equal chances from school onward. Disabled youth often face exclusion, limiting future prospects.
Recent reports highlight how under the current system, employment support has not kept pace with rising claims. The push for co production means disabled input in policy making to avoid one size fits all failures.
- Devolve and redesign Access to Work for better accessibility.
- Boost training and inclusive education programs.
- Involve disabled people in all employment policy development.
These changes could reduce the one in seven figure and foster economic growth.
Climate Justice and Accessible Communities
The document warns that climate planning often ignores disabled needs, risking harm during disasters. Lessons from the pandemic show the need for inclusive strategies to prevent rights violations.
It demands better accessible transport post 2026 and more adaptable housing options. With Scotland facing weather extremes, this is timely.
Related to this, the recent Right to Recovery Bill vote in October 2025 underscores broader health rights issues, as addiction support intersects with disability care amid Europe’s highest drug death rates.
Communities must become truly open, with fair funding for organizations that advocate for change.
Road to Human Rights Accountability
Full incorporation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities into Scottish law is a core ask. This would create top level accountability for rights enforcement.
Heather Fisken, chief executive of Inclusion Scotland, emphasized that these demands echo decades of calls, now needing urgent action for equality. The manifesto ties into ongoing debates, like the £770m benefits funding gap flagged by auditors in September 2025.
As elections near, this blueprint offers a path to a fairer Scotland. Readers, share your thoughts on these issues and comment below to join the conversation on building an inclusive future.
