We want a world where people with a learning disability and their families and carers are listened to and included in the decisions that affect their lives. — Mencap

A general election is upon us here in the UK – an opportunity to make our voices heard and to choose the leadership not only of the central Government, but locally too.

At Apple House homes, we know that everyone has the fundamental right to have their voice heard, to vote according to their individual beliefs, and free from influence or coercion.  We therefore adopt a multitude of aids to ensure that everyone supported within our services, has the means at their disposal to register their vote.

Easy Read manifestos are just one means of making information accessible on which to base decision.  All of the major parties, with the exception of The Liberal Democrats, agreed to produce easy read editions of their manifestos.  In addition, discussion within our homes has been ongoing since the election was called; from the dinner table to house meetings to visits by local candidates, the election has been the same hot topic as it has been in most households within the UK.

Learning Disability England state, ‘People with learning disabilities need to be able to ask questions of candidates and have access to manifestos in a format that is useful for them.   Sometimes people with learning disabilities don’t realise that they can vote – carers may try and speak for them.   People who are in residential homes don’t always get to vote. You can still vote if you have a learning disability. Even if you do not communicate using words.’

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