Participation of adults with learning disabilities in the 2015 United Kingdom General Election

James, Elaine and Harvey, Mark and Hatton, Christopher Rowan (2018) Participation of adults with learning disabilities in the 2015 United Kingdom General Election. Tizard Learning Disability Review, 23 (2). pp. 65-71. ISSN 1359-5474

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Abstract

Purpose 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 (Waldx^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.This is the first study of this size which examines the data from learning disabled people on their experience of democratic participation and the role of social work.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Tizard Learning Disability Review
Additional Information:
This article is (c)2018 Emerald Group Publishing and permission has been granted for this version to appear here. Emerald does not grant permission for this article to be further copied/distributed or hosted elsewhere without the express permission from Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/2700/2738
Subjects:
?? psychiatry and mental healthphychiatric mental healthsocial psychologydevelopmental and educational psychologyclinical psychology ??
ID Code:
124102
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
26 Mar 2018 08:26
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
26 Jan 2024 01:21