Experiential Representation and Disabled People’s Interests

Abstract

Abstract Do political representatives who identify as disabled refer to their own lived experience in the process of political deliberation and policy-making, and how? Do they use this experience to represent the interests of disabled citizens? To answer these questions, and the wider question of how the presence of disabled people in parliaments matters, the chapter provides analysis of the political speeches and activities of disabled MPs going back to 1866. Moreover, it draws upon interviews with disabled politicians and disability rights campaigners to understand the links between lived experience of disability and representation. The study finds that many disabled politicians are indeed active representatives of disabled people, and that disabled activists believe that lived experience is necessary for the good representation of disabled people. At times, the specific nature of particular impairments or conditions also becomes relevant and is addressed by representatives. The chapter concludes that, while non-disabled people can and do also play an important role in developing disability policy, the lived experience of disability enhances the representation of disabled people’s issues and interests.