Press Release

Only 1 in 6 of these people did vote in their last local election.

Only 1 in 8 of these people did vote in the last general election.

Some people said that the reason they didn't vote was that the voting system was too complicated.

Some people said that the reason they didn't vote was that there was not enough information available that was easy to understand.

Some people said that MPs and other political people need more learning disability awareness training.

The survey was part of a project called Every Vote Counts! The project is run by United Response and funded by the Electoral Commission.

The project wants to help people with learning disabilities to be more involved with politics and understand political decisions that affect their lives.

These people prefer information to be written in an easy to understand way.

The survey wanted to find out how much people with learning disabilities took part in politics and how to involve them more.

227 people with learning disabilities filled out surveys.

252 people who support them filled out surveys.

The survey found that not many people with learning disabilities were taking part in the democratic process.

Only 20% voted in the last local election and only 16% voted in the last general election. The Department of Health expected about 31% to vote.

The survey found that support workers wanted people to take part in politics.

But there was not enough accessible information to help them explain the differences between candidates and policies in a clear and unbiased way.

The survey found that voting by post or online makes it easier for some disabled people to vote.

The survey found many support workers found the process too difficult to explain to the people they support, so that people could make an informed choice.

The survey found that more people might take part in politics if there was more accessible information available.

Su Sayer said "Political decisions affect people with learning disabilities in the same way as everyone else — sometimes more.

Not many people with learning disabilities vote."

"Our survey shows that some good things are happening, but it is still difficult for people with learning disabilities to have their say.

They are not being allowed the right to choose."

"United Response is working with the people it supports and support workers to make a pack to explain things."

Su Sayer said "People with learning disabilities have been excluded from politics for too long. We need to create a society where people are equal."

"We want to give people practical support, so they can be active members of their community and have a say in decisions that affect their lives."

"For example someone may be worried by how long they have had to wait for a hospital appointment and want to know who they can contact about it."

"The charity will also want to work with people within the political system — MPs, councilors, political parties, returning officers and others."

"This will help them to understand the needs of people with learning disabilities better and give them the tools to make their own information accessible."