Access Panels in Scotland
Access Panels are making Scotland more accessible. If you are a disabled person who wants to volunteer to make your area more inclusive, your local Access Panel is the place to start.
With 24 Access Panels operating from Shetland to Tweeddale, Panel members drive real change by:
- Conducting Access Audits
- Influencing local and national policy
- Advising businesses and organisations
- Engaging in key partner groups
“When panels share learning and support each other, the entire system becomes stronger. A win in one community often becomes a catalyst for one elsewhere. An issue raised locally can become a national conversation. That is the power of connection” – Sarah Manson, Head of Disability Equality at the Scottish Government
How we support the Network
As the umbrella organisation, Disability Equality Scotland strengthens Panels outreach, boosts network capacity, keeps accessibility at the top of the political agenda and proudly represents disabled people nationwide.
“Disability Equality Scotland’s work aims to bridge gaps, improve communication across the network and strengthen the relationship between access panels and public bodies. An empowered network is an influential one” – The Scottish Government
Get involved
Visit the Access Panel Network website to find your local Access Panel and learn how you can join.
If you have any questions about Disability Equality Scotland’s Access Panel Network, please get in touch access@disabilityequality.scot.
Simita Kumar MSP and DES CEO Lucy Mulvagh at the Access Panel Network Conference 2026.
©2026 Disability Equality Scotland