• Include DPOs in broad-based civil society coalitions to conduct domestic election observation or voter education campaigns. • Assist political parties to conduct meaningful outreach to persons with disabilities when creating election campaign strategies and developing policy positions, and encourage parties to include persons with disabilities as candidates and in leadership roles. This manual begins with a review of disability concepts and terminology, highlighting the diversity of the disability community and the best practice of consulting the local disability community on their preferred terms. The central part of Equal Access is organized around the electoral cycle, highlighting how programs can address barriers and increase the ability of DPOs to exercise power and influence at various stages throughout an election. The manual then ends with a case study on efforts taken in the Dominican Republic to increase election access – providing lessons learned on how to increase program impact. Equal Access also highlights challenges to implementing inclusive election programming, such as: • Lack of available data on the number and location of persons with disabilities in developing countries • Societal discrimination • Politically challenging operating environments where citizen participation is discouraged by government authorities • Mandatory voting provisions that fine persons with disabilities for not voting or automatically remove them from voter lists • Scarcity of leadership opportunities for persons with disabilities • Limited capacity of local EMBs to implement accessible technology solutions Additionally, the manual discusses benefits of monitoring and evaluating the impact of election programs that disaggregate data by disability and collect qualitative data on disability inclusion. IFES launched www.ElectionAccess.org to serve as a platform for sharing lessons learned on addressing these challenges.6 The approaches and program examples highlighted throughout the manual can help ensure persons with disabilities participate in political life as equal citizens. To address the full range of barriers, efforts must focus beyond just Election Day. While setting precedent is important, one election does not break down all physical and social barriers or alter the prevailing negative perceptions of persons with disabilities. Equal Access seeks to give local and national governments, international organizations, civil society groups, development professionals and donors the tools and knowledge needed to ensure every voice is heard on Election Day and beyond. A true democracy is one that includes all citizens, including those with disabilities. 6 www.ElectionAccess.org was launched in 1998; the site is currently being redesigned. 16 International Foundation for Electoral Systems and National Democratic Institute