Disability Organisations Call for Better Access to Democracy
24 February 2010
The All Party Group on Disability at the Northern Ireland Assembly hosted an event for political parties, people with disabilities and key policy makers, in a call for elections to be made more accessible to the one in five people with disabilities in Northern Ireland.
While many changes have been made to electoral law and practice since the last Westminster elections in 2005 that have improved the accessibility for people with disabilities, much more still needs to be done to ensure that everyone can access the democratic process.
One of the main concerns is the accessibility of information provided by political parties in the run up to the Westminster election. This includes information leaflets, manifestos, websites and party election broadcasts. Information needs to be accessible to all and provision made for alternative formats such as easy read and audio. But more importantly how parties distribute this information to ensure that disabled people can access information and make informed decisions when voting.
The session will be hosted by Chair and Vice Chair of the All Party Group on Disability, Michelle O'Neill MLA and Pat Ramsey MLA. Attendees will hear evidence from research gathered by disability organisations and directly from disabled people who have experienced difficulties in accessing their democratic rights. Chief Electoral Officer, Douglas Bain will outline the key changes to electoral law and practice since the last Westminster election to improve access for disabled people. The event will conclude with five key asks that organisations believe need to be implemented to make the democratic process more accessible to all.
1) Make information accessible to everyone, using plain English and alternative formats.
2) Promote active citizenship, encouraging people with disabilities to become involved.
3) Provide disability equality training for staff.
4) Monitor involvement and participation of disabled people.
5) Make the upcoming elections the most accessible yet.
Guests will have an opportunity to visit information stands provided by organisations including the Electoral Office, Disability Action, Mencap, RNIB and political parties.
