Disability Equality Scotland will host the online Access Panel Network Conference for 2026. This year’s theme is A Connected Access Panel Network – Small changes, national impact. This year, we’ll be looking at the work of Access Panels and the impact they make on accessibility and inclusion on a local and national level. All Access Panel members are welcome to join.
Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from the Head of the Scottish Government’s Disability Policy Unit, Sarah Manson. They will be speaking about the Disability Policy Unit’s work, its importance in disability policy and the larger landscape, and how Access Panel feedback matters.
The newly formed Access Panel Network Engagement team will be providing updates on what they have been working on over the past 6 months. A key section of the Conference will be dedicated to a selection of Access Panels from across Scotland, presenting on one of their key projects. You will all also have the chance as a network to discuss and ask questions.
The full agenda can be found below:
11.45am – Attendees can start arriving
12pm – Welcome and introductions
12.05pm – Keynote Speech by Sarah Manson, Head of Scottish Government’s Disability Policy Unit
12.20pm – Access Panel Network Engagement Team news and updates
12.45pm – Break
1pm – Access Panel Presentation and Q & A
1.20pm – Access Panel Presentation and Q & A
1.40pm – Breakout rooms
2.10pm – Break
2.20pm – Access Panel Presentation and Q & A
2.35pm – Access Panel Presentation and Q & A
2.50pm – CEO Speech from Lyn Pornaro
3pm – Final thoughts and close
Feel free to submit questions to us in advance via the registration form.
This webinar will be supported by closed captioning, as well as a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter. For information on Zoom’s accessibility features, as well as guidance on how to interact using Zoom Meetings, please visit our website on www.disabilityequality.scot/events/accessibility.
We look forward to welcoming you on the day!
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