Participation of adults with learning disabilities in the 2015 UK General Election

Abstract

People with learning disabilities may experience discrimination which prevents them from exercising choice and control over their right to participate in democratic processes. Design/Methodology/Approach Taking data collected by social workers during a campaign from the 2015 UK General Election, this paper analyses the variables associated with higher rates of democratic participation by people with learning disabilities. Findings The present authors undertook secondary analysis on data collected by social workers supporting adults with learning disabilities who were living in community housing units. 1,019 people with learning disabilities who were living in 124 community housing units in one English county gave consent to participate. 84% were registered to vote and 26% cast a vote on polling day. People were significantly more likely to cast a vote if they lived in a housing unit where they understood their rights (Wald 2 =4.896, p=0.027). Practical Implications Our analyses are consistent with the hypothesis that supporting people with learning disabilities to understand their right to participate in elections increases the likelihood they will cast a vote on a polling day. There are practical implications from this finding for commissioning practices, support planning, and education of health and social care practitioners. Originality Value This is the first study of this size which examines data from people with learning disabilities on their experience of democratic participation and the role of social work.

The exercise of human rights and citizenship by older adults with an intellectual disability in Ireland

“…A recently published study also indicated that people with ID were more likely to cast their vote if they lived in a residence where they understood their rights (James et al . ). More research to better understand this phenomenon is needed so that older people with ID who wish to may be supported to participate more as voting citizens with a political voice.…”

“…Research from the UK suggests that people with intellectual disabilities need more support in registering to vote but also support in using their vote once registered. A recently published study also indicated that people with ID were more likely to cast their vote if they lived in a residence where they understood their rights (James et al 2018). More research to better understand this phenomenon is needed so that older people with ID who wish to may be supported to participate more as voting citizens with a political voice.…”

Participation of learning disabled people in the parliamentary election of 2019 in the United Kingdom

“…Data was collected over two time periods. The survey tool used at T1 and T2 was the same as that used to collect data in the 2015 UK Parliamentary Election (James et al , 2018). Qualified social workers from a community team supporting people with learning disabilities, who had run the P romote the Vote campaign, were provided with training on the survey tool in advance of data collection at T1, with a further training session prior to T2.…”

“…Building on previous findings, the current study evaluates the impact of an intervention seeking to increase political participation by people with learning disabilities. James et al (2018) found that a similar intervention seemed to increase the voting rates of people with a learning disability in the 2015 UK General Election. In particular, those who reported they understood their right to vote and that they had received practical support with the voting process were significantly more likely to vote.…”

Measurable Indicators of CRPD for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities within the Quality of Life Framework

“…• Article 29 (participation in political and public life): Seven studies [8,49,53,66,[70][71][72] consider aspects related to the right of people with ID to vote (e.g., information about the meaning and content of elections and democratic participation; understanding the information from the parties, the electoral procedures, and the voting paper; easy postal votes; accessible local polling stations; using pictures, symbols and logos on the voting paper; courses about voting and elections; easier-to-read election materials; support at polling stations and during the process of voting; treated respectfully by election officials; web accessible guides to voting); to be elected political members; priority on supportive legislation on disability issues in the government and CRPD focus.…”