22 Sep 2008
A select group of people form Wales with learning disabilities are due to graduate this week from a unique programme funded by the Electoral Commission which aims to increase voter registration amongst their peers.
The group are graduating from ‘Switched onto Politics’, a three month residential training course run by the charity All Wales People First and supported by The Electoral Commission’s grant programme, designed to help them become more knowledgeable and skilled in political structures, processes, leadership and representation.
They will be presented with their diplomas on Wednesday (24 Sep 08) at a ceremony in Builth Wells that will coincide with the All Wales People First Annual Conference.
Armed with their new skills, graduates of the scheme will now be sharing their knowledge and skills to other people with learning disabilities - a group acknowledged to be under-represented when it comes to registering to vote - through peer education in their own local area.
All Wales People First is now planning to roll the programme out across Wales with continued Electoral Commission advisory support.
Sharon Blow of Blackwood - one of the 11 graduates of the course – said: “People tell me I am becoming more independent because of this course. I think the course will help me to help others to be leaders as well. Nobody can say 'no, you can't become a leader just because you have a learning disability'. We have a lot to teach other people.”
Mark John Williams, All Wales People First Project Leader said:
“People with learning disabilities are often marginalised with their lives effectively being dominated by others. Often this done with the best intentions, but most of the major decision making is done without proper involvement from the individual.
“This project enables people with learning disabilities in Wales to overcome this through our Leadership Programme, which provides information, support and training, so that they can become engaged in the democratic process and become leaders in their communities.”
The organisation was awarded over £150,000 in grant funding from the Electoral Commission earlier this year to establish the programme in Wales. All Wales People First have also produced a printed toolkit in simple language explaining the voting process and how people can become involved.
Kay Jenkins, Head of the Electoral Commission in Wales, said:
“People with learning disabilities are recognised to be under registered and to face particular barriers to engaging with democracy. We are very pleased to be supporting and working with All Wales People First on this project.
“By providing innovative thinking and ideas to encourage registration and understanding of the democratic process, the All Wales People First project is able to re-engage hard to reach audiences across Wales.”
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Notes to editors
The Electoral Commission
- The Electoral Commission is an independent body established by the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000. Its aim is integrity and public confidence in the UK’s democratic process.
- The Partnership Grants Scheme awarded grants in 2006 and 2007 to organisations working with the following groups; young people outside formal education, people from BME communities and people with disabilities. It is recognised that these groups are under registered, and more likely to be receptive to community based activity rather than through traditional advertising. The scheme is now closed for applications.
All Wales People First links self advocates across Wales and:
· collects people's news and views
· shares information
· finds out what is going on around the country
· finds out what is important in people's lives
· campaigns to improve the lives of people with learning disabilities
· puts people in touch with each other from all over Wales
· helps groups to be in touch with the National Assembly for Wales
· supports self-advocacy groups to get going and keep going
