Disability group launches Accessible Elections Award Scheme 2008

3.05.54pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 9th Apr 2008

The National Assembly All Party Group on Disability today launched its 2008 Accessible Elections Award scheme. The scheme seeks to recognise the candidate in the local government elections who does the most to make their campaign as widely accessible to disabled people as possible.

The judging panel, made up of people from various disability organisations and chaired by Jenny Randerson AM will consider things such as providing leaflets in alternative formats, organising accessible public meetings and using an accessible campaign HQ. Any local election candidate can be nominated by a disabled member of the ward in which they were standing.

Jenny Randerson AM, Chair of the All Party group on Disability said: "We have already written to all party Chief Executives and leaders asking them to consider accessibility issues in these elections and the response has been generally positive. This award is designed to encourage all candidates to consider these issues during their campaigns.

"Democracy doesn't work unless all people are included in it and have access to it. This award will hopefully encourage the inclusion of people who may have been excluded in the past."

Notes:

Nominations for the award scheme will close on 9th May and will be presented at an event in the Assembly after May 1st.

For details of how to nominate people, please contact

02920 473 954 or email accessibility@wcb-ccd.org.uk