Scotland’s Disability Summit will take place on Saturday 21 February 2026 and is being held in partnership with the Cross-Party Group on Disability.
Following on from Meryl’s appearance on The Traitors, she has used her significant social media platform to raise awareness about her condition, Achondroplasia. Meryl is passionate about amplifying underrepresented voices and challenging outdated perceptions around disability in society.
Meryl will address hundreds of disabled people across Scotland in the Debating Chamber of the Parliament, as well as those joining us online. The Summit will also consider what progress can be made around transport, social care, education, social security and voting.
Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament said:
“This Summit will bring together people from across the country to look at how we can create a more inclusive society, which is so important as we look towards what the next Parliament will achieve for people in Scotland.
“We’ll be meeting in the Chamber and online to share ideas and I’m delighted that this important event is returning to Holyrood."
Meryl Williams said:
“I wanted to take part in this Summit because disabled people are still too often spoken about, rather than listened to. Living with Dwarfism has shown me how systems around transport, healthcare, education and social security can unintentionally exclude people when accessibility isn’t built in from the start.
“I hope this Summit helps shift the conversation from awareness to action, and that the next Parliament listens directly to disabled people and uses those lived experiences to drive meaningful, lasting change”.
Jeremy Balfour MSP, Convener of the Cross-Party Group on Disability said:
“This is a unique opportunity for disabled people of all ages from across Scotland to share their policy priorities with the Scottish Parliament as we approach the May elections, a crucial moment in Scottish politics.”
“I am really looking forward to hearing from disabled people across Scotland at what I know will be an excellent, informative and important opportunity to help shape the debate on the issues that matter most to disabled people.”