We are proud to be leading new work, funded by the Electoral Commission, to make voting more accessible for young people with additional support needs.
Young people often face barriers to engaging with democracy, from understanding why voting matters to navigating polling stations and accessing clear information about candidates. For those with additional support needs, these challenges can be even greater. This project aims to break down those barriers by listening directly to young people, understanding their experiences, and coproducing practical solutions.
The work will involve:
- Recruiting young people to share their views on voting and the obstacles they face.
- Developing resources for schools to help students learn about voting and democracy.
- Running webinars for professionals to support young people’s engagement in the democratic process.
At the heart of this project is the belief that every young person should have the opportunity to participate fully in society, including exercising their right to vote.
Leading this work is a new member of our team, Richard Dresser. Richard brings extensive experience from inclusion and SENDCO roles in schools to then working in the EHCP and Local Offer teams in Kirklees, West Yorkshire. His career has focused on inclusion, preparing for adulthood, and ensuring families and young people can access clear information and opportunities.
Richard said: “This work is about listening to young people and making sure their voices shape the future. Voting should be accessible to everyone, and I’m excited to help make that happen.”
Get involved
To get us started we are recruiting young people to tell us what they think about voting and what the barriers are.
If you are aged 16-25 with additional support needs and would like to get involved contact Richard on hello@ndti.org.uk
We look forward to seeing how this project empowers young people with additional support needs to engage with democracy and have their voices heard.
