Is your election campaign accessible? Assess with our checklists

18.12.2023

Over 100 million persons with disabilities live in Europe. However, most election campaigns still do not consider their accessibility needs. Information broadcasted through digital channels, events and publications remains inaccessible to this important segment of voters. They face higher difficulties understanding parties' goals, who the candidates are, and who they should vote for.

Image: Situations that are symbolic for inclusive election campaigns under the caption: "Checklists. Making campaigns accessible for persons with disabilities"; Copyright: European Disability Forum

The checklists and scoring systems aim to facilitate self-assessment and guide political parties and candidates in improving inclusivity for voters with disabilities.

Recently the European Disability Forum launched two checklists and scoring systems to support parties, election campaigns and authorities in correcting this. They aim at self-assessment and learning about accessibility for campaign staff, politicians, candidates, and public officials.

Complete accessibility audits and expert support remain essential to ensure that all communications and events are inclusive and accessible. However, these guides will allow political parties – its communications and events departments – and candidates to understand what is missing and where to go from there.

Are you the Chief of Staff or still an intern at the "Accessibility Party"? Fill out the guides, score yourself and step up your accessibility journey!