United Response held the event in partnership with Dods, The House Magazine and ePolitix.com in Parliament. The lunchtime session introduced the idea and importance of engaging with all voters, including those with learning disabilities.

Listen to the MP3 file now.

James Dodd, web editor.

John Bercow, speaker of the House of Commons, was the opening speaker, saying: “Making Parliament more accessible is a passion of mine, which is why I admire what United Response is trying to do.”

United Response, president, Martyn Lewis CBE, discussed the success that United Response has already had in providing the information and means so that people with learning, mental or physical disabilities feel able to vote at the general election.

“We created the first-ever multimedia interactive guide to democracy, in the Making Democracy Accessible toolkit,” he said. “The general election 2010 was also the first time ever that all three parties have produced accessible manifestos. As a result, the number of voters rocketed from 16 per cent to over 40 per cent of the people we support.”

Helen Goodman MP, shadow minister for work and pensions, Jenny Watson, the chair of the Electoral Commission, and Diane Lightfoot, United Response’s director of communications, also spoke. As somebody with a learning disability who has encountered the problems involved in trying to engage with democracy, Yosief Semere said: “Politics needs to be made more accessible with more pictures, bigger writing and less use of jargon.”

Su Sayer OBE, United Response’s chief executive, says of the event: “We were delighted at how well it went, and extremely grateful to a truly first class line up of speakers. It’s very important that people with learning disabilities play a full role in our democracy, so the fact that so many MPs and peers came along to find out how they could communicate with hard to reach constituents was very encouraging.

“We were particularly pleased that the speaker of the House, John Bercow, was able to come along and make it clear why a more open democracy is a key priority for him and for the whole of Parliament. Now we want to get the word out to all MPs that just a little thought about how to communicate more accessibly can reap significant political dividends.”

To find out more about the Every Vote Counts campaign, you can visit the webpage, or original site. You can also email Alexis Camble in our press team with any enquiries.

Jaime Gill, press and public affairs manager.

The article includes feedback on the success of the Every Vote Counts campaign, interviews with our Chief Executive and one of our young voters, and exclusively reveals the number of people with learning disabilities who exercised their democratic rights in the 2010 general election.

Is it higher than the 16% who voted in 2005? Take a look at the article for yourselves!

James Robinson, Communications Project Assistant

The Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow MP, will be attending to offer some opening remarks on the subject of disability and political inclusion, a topic which is of great interest to him. In addition to work mentioned on his biography, he has previously been named ePolitix’s ‘Disability Champion’ in 2007 for his work with children suffering from communication impairments and, this year, he spoke at the APPG on Disability in March on electoral accessibility.

He will be joined by Helen Goodman MP, Shadow Minister for Work and Pensions who will discuss the considerations MPs can make when communicating with their constituents to ensure the hard to reach are not excluded. She will also offer her knowledge of the issues impacting on the lives of people with disabilities and how these might affect their democratic engagement.

We would like to thank them both for their support and participation and are sure that they will offer valuable insights into accessible democracy.

There are still spaces available to those MPs who are interested in attending ‘Opening Up Democracy’. If you would like more information, or to book your place at the event, please contact james.robinson@unitedresponse.org.uk in the United Response press office.

James Robinson, Communications Project Assistant

This lunchtime event will be held at Westminster between 1 and 2.30PM. As well as hearing from senior MPs how important it is to engage with all constituents at all times, and not just for elections, MPs will be given practical guidance on how they can let everyone they represent know about the work they do on their behalf, by embracing simpler, more straightforward and more visual communications, whether online or in print.

Invites have already been sent out to most MPs. However, if you have not received one and would like to attend Opening up Democracy, please contact james.robinson@unitedresponse.org.uk of our press department.

Jaime Gill, press and public affairs manager.

This lunchtime event will be held at Westminster between 1 and 2.30PM, and will include accessibility workshops and guest speakers (more details to follow).

In collaboration with communications specialist Dods, invites have already been sent out to most MPs. However, if you have not received one and would like to attend Opening up Democracy, please contact james.robinson@unitedresponse.org.uk of our press department.

James Dodd, web editor.

Mencap has produced a charter, in conjunction with the medical Royal Colleges, which it is encouraging healthcare authorities to sign up to. The charter features nine important pledges aimed at ensuring that people with learning disabilities get the healthcare service that they need and deserve.

Describing the charter, Mencap says: “It sets a standard for working practices and will make health trusts accountable to people with a learning disability, their families and carers.”

To support the campaign and find out more visit the Getting it right page on the Mencap website.

James Dodd, web editor.

So what are you waiting for? Start bidding for the day or night photographs now! The lucky winners will be announced at the Ip-Art Festival Summer Street Fair on the 27th June.

James Robinson, Communications Project Assistant

The auction has been named ‘Art-ability’ – as it focuses on people’s abilities and not their disabilities – and all proceeds will go to United Response to help fund further art projects like this.

The pictures will be on display at Keystone Estate Agency in the historic ‘Saints’ area of Ipswich and the winning bid will be announced at the Summer Street Fair on the 27th June as part of the Ip-art Festival which celebrates artistic talent in the local area.

Have a look at Neil’s collaborative artwork (both day and night pictures) and get involved in the bidding! It promises to generate a lot of interest.

For more information, please visit the ‘Art-ability’ website and Twitter page or contact me at james.robinson@unitedresponse.org.uk.

James Robinson, Communications Project Assistant

The Opening up Democracy event, which we detailed a previous blog, can assist in kick-starting this. But you can help too: we have produced a template letter which you can send to your local MP and spur them into action by telling them to attend Opening up Democracy as a start in making politics accessible.

It is hoped that through these measures we can help to lay the foundations for a much more inclusive democracy. Many politicians are newly elected and so, if we can establish this message in their minds from the start of their tenure, it will remain with them throughout their political career.

So, if you would like to encourage your MP to attend, then get involved! Fill in this online form and send it off before the event starts on July 5th.

For any more details, please contact me at james.robinson@unitedresponse.org.uk.

James Robinson, Communications Project Assistant

Eureka! Oakfield Science Group scoops national award in Adult Learner’s Week

A Merseyside science group for people with learning disabilities has been successful in this year’s Adult Learner’s Week awards.  The National Group Award recognises Oakfield Science Group’s commitment to learning about all things scientific, ranging from magnetism to the claims made by kitchen towel manufacturers.

The Oakfield Science Group is attended by a range of people with learning disabilities who attend the Oakfield Day Centre run by disability charity United Response.  The group was set up after a number of people who visit the service expressed a keen interest in science.

Over three years the group’s 11 learners have developed a range of skills through the group’s sessions.  Recording the results of experiments has helped the group develop their literacy and numeracy skills.  Their team working skills have also come on in leaps and bounds, with the group now discussing and agreeing the topics they want to study. 

“I enjoy working with my group as it teaches us to work together and we learn from each other. We talk about the things we want to study and know about, like space and buildings and make a list of places we want to visit. I and my group feel more confident asking questions,” says group member Keith Cosgrove.

Su Sayer OBE, United Response chief executive said, “We are delighted that Oakfield Science Group has been recognised in these awards and send our congratulations to the whole group.  The award recognises the commitment of the group to learning and the real impact that education can have on the lives of people with learning disabilities.  It’s particularly exciting that this sprang directly from the group’s passion for science.”

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This release is also available in PDF format.

For more information or photographs please contact Alexis Camble in the United Response Press Office on 020 8246 5200 or email alexis.camble@unitedresponse.org.uk.

Building on this momentum – as part of a series of events organised by Dods, the political information and communications specialist – a new event will be held at Westminster on Monday 5 July, between 1.00 and 2.30pm. This lunchtime session, called Opening Up Democracy, will target new MPs and focus on the ongoing importance of engaging with all voters – including those with learning disabilities – and, crucially, how to achieve this in practical terms.

The event is expected to feature guest speaker MPs from the main three parties, a Q&A session and a team of UR Consultants who will demonstrate how to convert political material into accessible information.

Guests will also hear from people with learning disabilities who benefit from accessible communication first hand, as well as experts discussing the needs of people with a learning disability.

Finally, all attendees will be given their own copy of the acclaimed multimedia Making Democracy Accessible toolkit.

Please stay tuned for more details on this. Shortly, we’ll be blogging a template letter you can send you MP urging them to get involved with Opening Up Democracy. Alternatively, if you are an MP, please contact our press office for more details.

James Dodd, web editor.

Sir Nick Faldo adds star power to charity golf day in Richmond.

Local golfers are in for a treat on Monday 26th July when Richmond Golf Club plays host to Sir Nick Faldo, the most successful golfer in Ryder Cup history, at a charity golf day in aid of disability charity, United Response.  Sir Nick will be joined by award winning sports presenter Steve Rider at the historic club, which boasts a serene yet challenging course for golfers of all levels against the backdrop of beautiful Richmond Park.

Golfers will be welcomed with a buffet breakfast in the famous Cube Room of the Grade 1 listed clubhouse, before going on to enjoy an 18 hole stableford competition, as well as a range of on-course competitions. After a sumptuous three course lunch with wine and coffee, players will have a unique opportunity to ask Sir Nick about his career in a question and answer session chaired by Steve Rider. Players can also bid to join Sir Nick on his table at lunch.

Tickets for the event are just £150 per player, or £600 for a team of four – ideal for companies looking for a spot of client entertainment – and includes welcome pack, green fees, a three course lunch, and of course, an audience with Sir Nick.  There are still some sponsorship packages available at very reasonable prices. All proceeds will go to help United Response continue its vital work supporting people with disabilities across the country – including locally in Richmond – and in helping them to play a full and active role in the community.

Sir Nick Faldo said, “I’m delighted to be lending my support to United Response’s second annual golf day. The work that United Response undertakes is of real benefit to people throughout England and Wales with learning disabilities, mental health needs and physical disabilities. It’s a very worthwhile cause and I look forward to being involved this year.”

“We are thrilled that Sir Nick and Steve Rider have offered to help and for the support of Richmond Golf Club,” said Su Sayer, OBE, Chief Executive of United Response, “Every penny we raise will go towards our work helping people with learning disabilities lead the kind of lives they choose, including those we are privileged to support in the Richmond area. We look forward to welcoming local golfers to what is sure to be a wonderful day!” 

To find out more and to sign up for the day visit www.unitedresponse.org.uk/support-us/fundraising/charity-golf-day-2010/  or contact Kiera Ridge on 020 8246 5200.

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This release is also available in PDF format.

For more information and to set up an interview or photo opportunity, please contact Jaime Gill in the United Response Press Office on 020 8246 5122 or email jaime.gill@unitedresponse.org.uk.

The Big Lunch team are taking this canvas with them when they go on tour. The dates and locations of the tour can be found on the event blog.

Why not engage with the local community and find an event near you?

James. Dodd, web editor.

United Response has recently become involved with The Big Lunch event, which will take place across the UK on 18th July. While you’ll have to wait for more details about specific events and fundraising we want to organise I thought it would be worth giving you the low-down on it now.

Last year, up to a million people in communities across the UK took part in over 8,000 lunches. The organisers reported it was the biggest set of street parties since the Golden Jubilee, with 80 per cent of attendees saying that they felt closer to their neighbours as a result.

The Big Lunch aims to help strengthen neighbourhoods and promote social cohesion. It began life as a ‘wild seed’ at The Eden Project. The idea is: “That the world can get better and become safer through communities working together, with nature, optimism and common sense, to tackle local issues”.

The Big Lunch website is full of information and resources to help plan a Big Lunch step by step. You can put in your postcode and search for existing lunches in your area or, add your own to the Big Lunch map.

You can also help out by telling your friends, family, colleagues and community about The Big Lunch and encouraging them to get involved. Leaflets and posters are available to download from the website.

You can also join The Big Lunch on Facebook, follow it on Twitter and read stories on its blog.

For more information call 0845 850 8181, email info@thebiglunch.com or visit www.thebiglunch.com

James Dodd, web editor.

Jonathan Power, 25, and Morgan Thomas, 30, are among the first people with a learning disability to receive a Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector certificate.

According to the article the two are now planning to run human rights courses for disabled and non-disabled students.

James Dodd, web editor.

The Investors in Diversity Award represents a complete approach to managing equality, diversity and inclusion.

This approach includes developing policies, customs, practices, individual behaviours, operating practices and company culture.

Achieving the award demonstrates the concerted efforts United Response has made towards creating and developing a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion.

James Dodd, web editor.

We have been campaigning hard for this alongside Mencap, so are delighted that it has finally happened. Now it is vital that we make the most of the opportunity, so we would like to urge all directors to share this information with managers, who can then share it with individual services. We want to ensure that everyone we support who has capacity to vote (the majority) has a fair opportunity to do so, which is also one of our duties as a charity.

The release of the manifestos is also very timely. Social care has become one of the key electoral battlegrounds, as the parties offer competing visions of how to fund support for people with disabilities and the elderly. The people most affected by changes to social care should certainly be part of the decision-making process, so it’s essential that people with learning disabilities understand the issues and options. These manifestos are a bold first step towards that goal, and could make May 6th the most genuinely inclusive general election in our country’s history.

On behalf of Jamie Gill, press and public affairs manger.

You can view all three accessible manifestos – Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat – online at the respective party pages.

To secure your vote you must be registered by 20 April. Make sure you have your say.

James Dodd, web editor.

To start off, Su Sayer urged political parties to engage would-be voters with learning disabilities in a letter to The Independent.

The Independent website also features an article called The boy in the corner: Why do children with special needs still get such a raw educational deal? It takes a long, hard look at the system currently in place to help children with special educational needs.

Back on the political front, there is a useful rundown of Labour’s manifesto – as well as initial reactions – on the Guardian website. Staying with the Guardian, in an illuminating interview, Nick Clegg describes the potential benefits of a hung parliament.

Not strictly related to politics, but well worth a look… there is a thoughtful column on humour and disability from India Knight on The Times website.

James Dodd, web editor.

Please get involved and send a letter to your MP to help make democracy accessible for all.

There is a downloadable letter template available in the Campaigns section of our website. Just fill in your details and send it to your MP. If you are unsure who your MP is you can find out at TheyWorkForYou.com

James Dodd, web editor.

The Stableford competition takes place on Monday 26th July with the event including breakfast, a three-course lunch, prize-giving ceremony and Q&A session with Nick Faldo. There is also the opportunity to bid for a seat at Faldo’s lunch table.

Last year saw the event held at the Royal Wimbledon Golf Club, where 100 golfers participated – raising more than £14,000 in total. Hopefully this year we can raise even more. All profits from the event go towards United Response’s work supporting people with learning disabilities, mental health needs and physical disabilities.

The cost is £150 per golfer or £600 per team of four. This is one of our most popular fundraising events, so book early to avoid missing out.

You can find out more on the Golf Day webpage and register for the event via the online form.

James Dodd, web editor.

Most encouragingly, MPs from all parties are getting behind the drive. I’ve already mentioned most of the coverage we’ve had in this area, but we have also received direction comments, either in blogs or through news feeds, from a variety of MPs including Meg Munn – MP for Sheffield Heeley, Michael Foster – MP for Hastings and Rye, and John Austin – MP for Erith and Thamesmead.

In terms of pure reach, we were somewhat surprised – but also very pleased – to see some coverage on a Slovakian site. Unfortunately, my Slovak is a little rusty…

James Dodd, web editor.

Both articles are worth checking out. The first is titled: Call to encourage voters with learning difficulties, the second: Voters with learning disabilities ‘disenfranchised’.

James Dodd, web editor.

The route is the one likely to be used for the 2012 Olympic marathons and takes in plenty of London sights including Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and the London Eye.

It’s a brilliant event and one we hope can raise some vital funds for United Response. If your application is successful, we ask you to raise a minimum sponsorship of £350. You will also be asked to pay an initial £25 registration fee, which is non refundable but will count towards your minimum sponsorship target. In return, we will provide you with:

• Fundraising support
• Training advice
• A United Response running vest
• The chance to join our email group so you can chat with your fellow team mates.

If you would like apply for a place to run the race please visit our dedicated webpage or contact Kiera Ridge on 020 8246 5202 or by email at: kiera.ridge@unitedresponse.org.uk