Tynwald has been represented at the first Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities (CPwD) forum for the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) British Islands and Mediterranean Region (BIMR).  Kirstie Morphet MLC, supported by Table, Hansard and Publications Manager Andy Cooke, was among delegates who gathered in Edinburgh on February 20 for the event, which was organised by the CPA Scotland Branch and hosted by the Scottish Parliament (pictured Delegates meet at the Scottish Parliament, Holyrood, Edinburgh for the inaugural British Islands and Mediterranean Region (BIMR) Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities (CPwD) Forum. Photo: The Scottish Parliament).

Delegates examined a range of disability rights issues, including social care, social security, inclusive education, transport and voting, and explored how best to encourage more people with disabilities to stand as candidates in elections to ensure parliaments are representative of society. The event also provided the opportunity for the BIMR CPwD steering committee to meet and set strategy for the year ahead. Separately, and as part of its work in making legislatures more accessible to people with disabilities, the CPwD network is planning to publish guidance on conducting accessibility audits for the benefit of the CPA’s membership.