The Launch of Accessible Voting: Creating a Democracy that works for us all

We were proud to launch our latest report, Accessible Voting: A Democracy that Works for Us All, on Monday 15th September the Churchill Room at the Houses of Parliament.

Hosted by Julie Minns MP, we were delighted that so many of you joined us from across the country. We had a thought-provoking panel discussion, chaired by James Lee, with contributions from Gáibhin McGranaghan, Cllr Ria Patel (Croydon Council), Michelle Anglesea (Sefton Council) and Mike Wordingham (RNIB). Together, they explored the barriers that disabled people face in voting and the urgent need for reform.

This report was made possible thanks to funding from the JRSST Charitable Trust, and delivered in partnership with WelcoMe.

A heartfelt thank you to all the guests who joined us on the day. Your engagement and support are vital as we work towards a truly inclusive democracy.

At a time when accessibility in democracy is under the spotlight, we hope this work sparks meaningful change and helps shape a voting system that works for us all.

A photograph of the Churchill Room in the Houses of Parliament featuring a Disability Policy Centre banner, table with brochures, chairs, wood paneling, green carpet, and glassware on a side table beneath a TV screen.
Guests networking in the Churchill Room, Houses of Parliament, with people standing and seated, including wheelchair users. The room features chandeliers, green carpet, tall curtains, and historic parliamentary paintings on the walls.
Busy scene in the Churchill Room, Houses of Parliament, with groups of people networking and talking. Several wheelchair users and seated guests are present, surrounded by chandeliers, paintings, and green patterned carpet.
A photograph of the Churchill Room in the Houses of Parliament featuring a waiter holding up a tray of appetisers. In the background guests can be seen mingling.
Conversation in the Churchill Room, Houses of Parliament, with a standing guests talking to a wheelchair user. The room features chandeliers, green patterned carpet, tall curtains, and framed historic paintings on the walls.
Busy scene in the Churchill Room, Houses of Parliament, with groups of people networking and talking. Several wheelchair users and seated guests are present, surrounded by chandeliers, paintings, and green patterned carpet.
Panel discussion in the Churchill Room, Houses of Parliament, with James and Gáibhin seated beside Ria Patel speaking into a microphone, while Michelle Anglesea listens attentively alongside them.
Group photo in the Churchill Room, Houses of Parliament, featuring three wheelchair users and one standing guest smiling at the camera, with other attendees networking in the background beneath chandeliers and paintings.
Conversation in the Churchill Room, Houses of Parliament, with a standing guest talking to two wheelchair users. The room features chandeliers, green patterned carpet, tall curtains, and framed historic paintings on the walls.
Three guests smiling for a photo in the Churchill Room, Houses of Parliament, including a wheelchair user in front. Other attendees mingle in the background beneath chandeliers, paintings, and tall curtains
Two guests talking in the Churchill Room, Houses of Parliament, holding drinks in front of wall paintings. Other attendees are seated nearby, with tables set with refreshments and green patterned carpet beneath
Panel discussion in the Churchill Room, Houses of Parliament, with James seated in a wheelchair and Gáibhin McGranaghan speaking into a microphone, as part of the Disability Policy Centre event.
Panel discussion in the Churchill Room, Houses of Parliament, with James and Gáibhin seated beside Ria Patel while Michelle Anglesea listens speaks into a microphone alongside the
Julie Minns MP speaks at a podium in the Churchill Room, Houses of Parliament, while James Lee, the event chair, sits in a wheelchair beside her. Other panel members are seated nearby.
Conversation in the Churchill Room, Houses of Parliament, with a standing guest talking to two wheelchair users. The room features chandeliers, green patterned carpet, tall curtains, and framed historic paintings on the walls.
Audience and panel in the Churchill Room, Houses of Parliament. A female guest in a wheelchair and pink dress asks a question while panelists, including Gáibhin, Ria, Michelle, and Mike, listen and respond under chandeliers and paintings.
Julie Minns MP speaks at a podium in the Churchill Room, Houses of Parliament, while James Lee, the event chair, sits in a wheelchair beside her. Other panel members are seated nearby.
Panel discussion in the Churchill Room, Houses of Parliament, with Mike Wordingham speaking into a microphone beside Michelle Anglesea. A laptop rests on the floor near his feet during the session.
Panel session in the Churchill Room, Houses of Parliament, with Ria Patel seated beside Michelle Anglesea, who is speaking into a microphone, and Mike Wordingham holding a laptop on his lap.
Chloe Schendel-Wilson speaking into a podium. Underneath a BSL interpreter is sat, interpreting for the audience. To her right speaker James is sat in a wheelchair.
Panel discussion in the Churchill Room, Houses of Parliament, with James seated in a wheelchair and Gáibhin McGranaghan speaking into a microphone, and Mike sat in the middle of them with a laptop on his lap.
Guest in a wheelchair asks a question during the panel session in the Churchill Room, Houses of Parliament, with other attendees standing and listening in front of tall curtains and paintings.
A male guest in a wheelchair speaks into a microphone during discussion in the Churchill Room, Houses of Parliament, while panelists including Ria Patel and Michelle Anglesea listen, with attendees standing nearby.
Conversation in the Churchill Room, Houses of Parliament, with three standing guest talking to wheelchair user. The room features chandeliers, green patterned carpet, tall curtains, and framed historic paintings on the walls.