ElectionAccess
Welcome!
Welcome to the new and improved ElectionAccess.org, a one-of-a-kind collection of resources on political participation and disability rights.
Disability rights are human rights. Inclusive elections are credible elections.
Updates
IFES Launches its ELection Platform for for Accessibility through Human Rights and Security (Election PATHS)
February 25, 2026Elections are embracing technology, but for millions of voters with disabilities around the globe, the technology meant to modernize how we vote is leaving them behind.
In partnership with Microsoft, the International Foundation for Electoral System has developed the Election PATHS database, a new way forward in making elections inclusive. The database catalogues election technologies and their accessibility features, integrating inputs from technology providers and disability rights advocates around the world. The database celebrates the life and legacy of celebrated disability rights activist Judy Heumann by featuring her favorite color, purple, as its background.
Launching at the 2026 Zero Project in Vienna, Austria, Election PATHS will serve as a resource for election management bodies, election observers, disability rights advocates, voters, and technology providers. IFES will regularly update the database as a living record.
IFES Celebrates 35 Years of the Americans with Disabilities Act
July 25, 2025
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a landmark piece of legislation that “protects people with disabilities from discrimination” through providing accessibility and accommodation resources, a way to report disability rights violations, and comprehensive protection for persons with disabilities under state and federal law. It celebrates its 35th year in force on July 26, 2025. The passage of the ADA was far from simple; it required decades of advocacy and protest led by disability rights activists and leaders. Foremost among them was Judith “Judy” Heumann, who served under both the Clinton and Obama administrations and was the first to hold the position of Special Advisor for International Disability Rights at the State Department. Judy also posthumously received IFES’ Charles T. Manatt Democracy Award in 2023.
Judy’s tireless efforts helped not only to pass the ADA but also to create a culture of disability inclusion and meaningful engagement in civic and political processes for persons with disabilities around the world. Below is an excerpt from Judy’s memoir, Being Heumann, reflecting on the passage of the ADA:
IFES Senior Global Inclusion Advisor Virginia Atkinson Named on Forbes Inaugural Accessibility 100
June 17, 2025
IFES celebrates its Senior Global Inclusion Advisor Virginia Atkinson for being named one of Forbes’ top 100 “impact-makers and innovators in the field of accessibility for people with disabilities.” Making its debut this year, the list features leaders across communication, education, employment and workplace, entertainment and arts, influencer and advocacy, law and government, mobility, products, software, sports and recreation, and others.
Featured in the law and government category, Virginia shared her experience advancing voting rights by making elections accessible for persons with disabilities and protecting these rights with new laws and policies.
In reflecting on her work, Virginia shared, “I am honored to be included on this list with formidable colleagues and friends. Disability rights advocates around the world are on the front lines of democracy promotion and continue to make gains that support the human rights of all people, even as civic space shrinks. Thank you to Forbes for releasing their inaugural Accessibility 100 List to shine a light on these innovations.”
We congratulate Virginia on her hard work and dedication to promoting disability inclusion across the electoral cycle and for persons with disabilities’ meaningful engagement in civic and political life!