Easy News Helps Those With Learning Disabilities

ARE PEOPLE WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES EXCLUDED FROM United POLITICAL DEBATE? Response support that changes with you CASTING VOTES Information about politics and current affairs can be difficult to understand and for those with learning disabilities, the way this information is presented can seem even more complex. As a result, many people with learning disabilities are excluded from the debate and have never voted. CURRENT AFFAIRS January 2013 I FREE I unitedresponse.org.uk THE NEWS 1 million adults in the UK have learning disabilities i million A RECENT SURVEY OF PEOPLE WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES, BY UNITED RESPONSE, FOUND: Of those who do not follow the news, 26% 33% rely on other people to tell them what is going on said it was because the news is difficult to understand in the news 32% 40% 78% Only find it difficult to understand information in said that they would, or that they might read of people could name a big event in the news a newspaper with simple words and pictures newspapers POLITICS 31% do not understand politics 53% are not sure if politics makes a difference to their lives 83% do not understand what politicians say, or are not sure if they understand what politicians say Only 39% of people with learning disabilities voted in the last general election compared with 65% of the population WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES ACCESSIBLE INFORMATION MAKE? Following the publication of Easy Read manifestos by all major political parties, the number of people with learning disabilities voting in general elections doubled between 2005 and 2010. HOW CAN SOCIAL CARE ORGANISATIONS BUILD ON THIS SUCCESS AND EMPOWER THOSE WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES TO VOTE? Provide political material and news in large print with colour and photos or illustrations Provide material that uses simple words and sentences, presenting one concept at a time Provide unbiased political material for individuals Ensure the individual voting is allowed a support worker in the polling booth with them Invite candidates to visit people to explain their ideas in person EASY NEWS As part of their 40th anniversary celebrations, they will be launching Easy News, the first accessible newspaper for people with learning disabilities. United Response believes that people with learning disabilities have a right to know what is going on in the world and to have their voice heard, in the same way as everyone else. United Response is a UK charity and works with individuals who suffer from both learning and physical disabilities, providing tailored support and person-centred care. They assist individuals and empower them to become inc dent. United Response, Vantage House, 1 Weir Road, Wimbledon Park, London, SW19 8UX United Response Email: [email protected] Tel: 020 8246 5200 support that changes with you Registered charity no. 265249 Sources: By United Response Our Future - United Response Campaigns Panel report 1 million adults in the UK have learning disabilities People with Learning Disabilities in England 2011- Learning Disabilities Observatory www.improvinghealthandlives.org.uk/securefiles/121213_1035/IHAL2012-04PWLD2011.pdf Following the publication of Easy Read manifestos by all major political parties, the number of people with learning disabilities voting in general elections doubled between 2005 and 2010. Every Vote Counts - United Response campaign news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8469533.stm Get my vote campaign - Mencap survey blogs.Ise.ac.uk/politicsandpolicy/2010/08/05/mencap-and-the-'get-my-vote-campaign'/ United Response helps people with learning disabilities vote www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/05/2009/111646/ united-response-helps-people-with-learning-disabilities-to-be-involved-in-politics.htm