“ Section 1 What’s critically important is that disabled people are seen as a part of the whole, and the government and civil society recognizes the need to be able to have as many people who wish to be participating in elections, actually be able to vote. [That] is what you are really striving for. ” Judith Heumann Special Adviser for International Disability Rights, U.S. State Department Strategies to Support Inclusive Electoral and Political Processes Sections two through four of this manual follow the electoral cycle. Each section represents a different stage of the cycle and discusses specific challenges persons with disabilities might face at that time. Suggestions are made for improving accessibility and strengthening political engagement. The majority of interventions are focused on four mutually-supportive strategies. 1. Empowering Persons with Disabilities Persons with disabilities and DPOs are vital partners in elections and political process-focused programs. DPOs provide a pre-existing platform for mobilizing persons with disabilities and representing the interests of persons with disabilities. They should be included throughout the program cycle, including in the design, implementation and monitoring and evaluation stages. In order to be effective, many DPOs can benefit from training on different aspects of the electoral system and government structure. Capacity building to develop basic organizational skills, such as management and public relations, as well as advocacy skills that help DPOs interact with government officials, the media, international organizations and other groups is useful. This training could include how to build alliances and raise financial support. This assistance can build the political profile of DPOs and help them get their issues on the political agenda. Electoral and political processes will also be strengthened if international donors and implementing partners hire persons with disabilities as employees, particularly in leadership positions. 2. Supporting Government Institutions Programs providing support to government institutions such as legislatures and EMBs provide an opportunity for increasing the political participation of persons with disabilities. In providing technical assistance to government bodies that create legal frameworks, democracy development programs can build the skills of these institutions to conduct assessments on the rights of the disability community or the impacts proposed policies will have on that community. Programs can also encourage government bodies to partner with DPOs as part of their efforts, promoting the view of persons with disabilities as empowered citizens who should be consulted on issues that affect their lives. DPOs should also be supported in directly reaching out to government stakeholders. Building this awareness among decision-makers is a key step in enabling the full participation of persons with disabilities in political life by changing exclusionary laws and policies. 3. Including DPO Partners in CSO Coalitions Democracy strengthening programs around elections often include technical and financial support to networks and coalitions conducting activities, such as domestic election observation or voter education. These efforts are critical in helping citizens have a more informed voice and in promoting credible election Equal Access: How to Include Persons with Disabilities in Elections and Political Processes 35