This page gives further details about Outside the Box an organisation which was funded through the Partnership Grants Scheme.
Outside the Box provide support and training to groups and people who are marginalised or disadvantaged due to disability, age, deprivation, gender or sexuality. They link with other similar service providers and co-ordinate project partnerships.
- visit Outside the Box's website at www.otbds.org
Peer education about electoral processes by people with learning disabilities
The project raised awareness amongst people with learning disabilities about electoral processes through peer education. A resource pack was developed that included a DVD and picture materials that were fully tested by people with learning disabilities.
The group worked collaboratively with People First Fraserburgh, to develop scenarios and resources which formed the basis of the DVD and written material. The resource pack was designed to be used by individuals, as well as user led groups, advocacy projects and support workers who would be facilitating learning for other beneficiaries. Our grant funded staffing, testing, design and printing.
Project outcomes
- people with learning disabilities will have more confidence to take part in political decision-making
- people with learning disabilities will be more aware of the opportunities in local, national and European democratic processes
- people with learning disabilities will become registered to vote
- people with learning disabilities who have not been active before will make contact with prospective candidates
Outcomes achieved
The election pack was designed to cover the whole process of the election experience for individuals with a learning disability. 500 resource packs were printed inclusive of a DVD, they also produced an additional 1,500 DVD where the pack could be downloaded. 483 resource packs were distributed to specialist learning disability organisations within the first 3 months of the packs completion.
Each organisation had a minimum of 10 members, reaching at least 4,000 individuals with a learning disability. In addition the DVD was distributed to community libraries, local and national government organisations and individuals. The pack was also available to download from the voting Outside the Box website. The site received 12,000 hits within its first year of existence.
Case study
Lee-Ann is a person with a learning disability and attends a disability support organisation in Perth. As a person with learning difficulties, Lee-Ann also faces barriers understanding the political process. Lee-Ann had access to the project resources and attended a feedback day on the project. Lee-Ann learnt that she could vote to have a say in how services are run. She also learned that she could approach political representatives to ensure her views were being heard.
