Ahead of the new legislative term of the European Parliament and following elections in the UK and France, the WeThe15 campaign released its third episode on the theme of government and politics. Hosted by broadcaster Andy Stevenson, the episode features Paralympic swimmers Minister Carla Qualtrough of Canada and Member of European Parliament David Lega of Sweden.

In the episode, Qualtrough and Lega discuss progress made in the disability rights space, understanding the complexities of the lives of persons with disabilities from the viewpoint of politicians, changing perceptions in political parties and the grit needed to succeed in the sector as a person with disabilities.

The former Para swimmers acknowledged that the focus and discipline required to excel in sports played an important role in shaping their political careers.

Two-time Paralympian Qualtrough, a double bronze medallist from the Barcelona 1992 Paralympic Games, noted: “So for us in politics, it's knocking on doors, it's getting out and talking to people, but you know, I tell my teams regularly, you just got to do the laps and sometimes it's not fun and it's certainly not sexy, but it will get you the results you want if you work hard enough.”

While two-time Paralympian Lega, a triple world champion in 1998, added: “You learn as a swimmer, when you hit a wall, you just turn and continue swimming the other way instead. I think it's the same. As a swimmer you understand that it takes time sometimes to get results. You still have to continue and do all those sessions, all that work. It takes four years in Sweden between an election and four years between the Paralympics. So, it takes time. And you're used to that.”

Discussing the changes she has seen in the House of Commons and the cabinet after being government ministry, Qualtrough said:

“One of my most excit[ing] moments in the House of Commons is when a disability question is asked and a different cabinet minister stands up and answers it. Right, I'm like, yeah, like that is fantastic. Because you know what, accessible airline travel, that's actually a transportation issue. And so when the Minister of Transport stands up and informedly answers the question, then I'm like, yeah, that's the change.”

Lega also related how the perceptions of colleagues changed regarding his disabilities:

“My colleagues there were members who thought that I was the disabled mascot… So, I had to fight that for the first time because I'm trying to show that I actually know what I'm doing. That's why I'm here and that took a few months to get people's understanding and respect for being a good politician and not only the guy in the wheelchair.”

Asked whether there will be more disabled politicians in the future, Lega responded:

“It's a journey, and I think that we are two of those who are front runners right now, but hopefully there will be a lot more coming after us as well.”

Qualtrough and Lega also discuss quotas for PWD, how to avoid being pigeonholed and seeking accommodations to perform at their best that the working environment to work for them.

For more details and the full episode, subscribe and listen to the series here.