Ms Annette Costello:

When I attended my polling station during the recent elections, I found that the wheelchair ramp fitted at the polling station was not installed correctly. Upon reporting this to the returning officer as a safety concern, I received a dismissive response and was told I was the only person who had complained about it that day and three other wheelchair users had already voted. In my experience, returning officers and polling station staff are not properly trained in disability equality.

This is a major concern. People are also reluctant to highlight issues that distort information in the public domain. As I recall, there was only one wheelchair-accessible polling booth at my polling station.

I and many other disabled people have also experienced difficulties with the postal voting system. Postal voting is often cited as a more accessible voting option for disabled people. However, the application process is unnecessarily complicated and based on a medical model of disability, requiring certification from a GP for the first application. On an annual basis, a written confirmation form must be signed, completed and returned to the local authority. However, local authorities require an original signed confirmation and will not accept it via email.

This process fails to recognise that the vast majority of disabled people will have their disability for life and it will not diminish. Disabled people can find access to a postal vote has been removed despite no change to their disability status, with this occurring due to a systems or administrative failure, which I have also experienced. In addition to the administrative barriers this presents, it also demonstrates a lack of respect and dignity for disabled people by requiring us to provide proof in order to access our right to vote time and time again with the postal system. The timelines for completion and return of a postal ballot must also be reviewed as they are more onerous than those for people attending a polling station on the day. A number of colleagues on the disability stakeholders group have informed both Dr. Rath and me of their difficulties in the Braille system during the general election 2020 vote.

Progress has nevertheless been made in accessible polling stations, and I am happy to acknowledge that. However, this progress is fragmented and inconsistent across the country. While correct installation of a wheelchair ramp is important, it must also be understood that accessibility extends further. The National Disability Authority published the accessible voting checklist 2015 to provide this guidance. We understand from meeting officials in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage that this is sent to returning officers before each election. However, as demonstrated by our experiences as outlined today, problems persist.

Therefore, it is critical returning officers and all polling staff receive training in how to implement this guidance, as well as training in disability equality. An evaluation of the effectiveness of the accessibility measures in place must be carried out after elections and a complaints mechanism should be established to further safeguard the voting rights of disabled people.

The establishment of the electoral commissionis another very positive development. The DSG understands that one of its first tasks will be to carry out research into the postal voting system and how it can be reformed. It is vital that disabled people are consulted during this process. I will now hand back to my colleague, Dr. Vivian Rath, to discuss the issue of political representation of disabled people.