We know that people with disabilities simply do not enjoy the same rights and freedoms as the rest of society.

Nowhere was this more evident, than at a meeting last week of the All Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs) for autism, learning disability, disability, equality, eye care and visual impairments.

The meeting explored ways to make Parliament and voting more accessible for people with disabilities. Throughout the session it became increasingly obvious that elections are not free and fair for all in this country as more and more people with disabilities in attendance began to speak up about how they felt excluded from the democratic process. Problems highlighted on the day included the inaccessibility of polling stations, difficulties understanding voting materials, and in the worst cases others taking advantage of their vote, because they were prevented from exercising it themselves.

The research speaks volumes. According to Mencap in the 2005 general election only 2 out of 10 people with a learning disability used their vote, compared to 6 out of 10 of the whole UK population. A post-election survey by Scope also found that over two thirds of polling stations had one or more access barriers such as there was no Braille template, staff demonstrated negative attitudes towards disability or voting tables were too high. As Jenny Watson from the Electoral Commission said at the meeting difficulties with access in polling stations means many people with disabilities are being denied the opportunity to be part of the collective experience of democracy in action. In some cases, this means they are forced to rely on postal voting, but without clear information on how to exercise your vote, this is not without its own pitfalls.

In fact one of the main reasons people with autism and learning disabilities, in particular, are unable to vote is due to a lack of accessible information and material. The National Autistic Society has also heard from people with Asperger syndrome who have experienced a great deal of anxiety and difficulty with managing the paperwork required. These issues affect everything from how they join the electoral register, and the practicalities of how they cast their vote, to their ability to make an informed choice about who to vote for. People with learning disabilities say they do not understand information on policies or what candidates and parties stand for - and they are not the only ones. A recent survey by Mencap showed that 90% of the voting population does not understand phrases in political literature.

Organisations such as Mencap, Scope, United Response and Speaking Up are doing much to campaign for people with disabilities to have the same opportunities to vote.  The Electoral Commission are leading a number of initiatives such as looking at how ballot papers work for people with disabilities and publishing appropriate design guidance.  As the foundation of the democratic process they have also ensured that materials to join the electoral register are accessible to all through easy read, audio and Braille versions. In 2007, they also secured a change to the law which means local authorities will have to consult with local people about where polling stations should be and so it is hoped this will improve access for people with disabilities at the general election.

Historically, Parliament has lagged behind. Perhaps one of the biggest and most worrying issues of all is that many people with disabilities argue politicians do not reflect or discuss the issues that are relevant to them such as health and social care, better transport and disability hate crime. Not only that, but Parliament simply does not represent the diverse mix of people in the UK today, including those with disabilities, and the public are receiving a narrow choice of who their MP can be. The Speakers Conference, however, has now investigated the issue and made a number of recommendations to encourage involvement in the democratic process and make Parliament more representative.

Measures proposed include outreach and education from Parliament to ensure minority groups are interested and engaged in campaigning and voting and looking at political parties’ recruitment procedures. Speaker, John Bercow MP pledged to continue to be a champion of disabled people and told the meeting that as soon as the General Election is called he wants to see induction packs for all new MPs which must push the disability agenda and that all parties should consider how their policies will impact on people with disabilities as a matter of course.

Mr Bercow acknowledged there is a long way to go before disabled people get a fair deal but this long overlooked group are more politically active, outspoken and more effective at campaigning than they have ever been before.

In conclusion, it will be difficult to ignore disabled people’s demands for democracy going into the general election and those candidates who ignore their priorities will be missing out on important votes.

The APPGs for autism, learning disability, disability, equality, eye care and visual impairments are calling for:
-    election literature and material to be produced in easily accessible formats such as ‘easy read’ and Braille. This includes party manifestos and information from parliamentary prospective candidates
-    more MPs with disabilities
-    material about the  work and processes of Parliament to be in an accessible format
-    improved physical access in Parliament and polling stations
-    greater consultation with people with disabilities on local and national policy issues