People supported by Kisharon will be voting in the general election on June 8.

“It’s really important that every person feels valued in society, and can make their opinions count,” says Principal Social Worker Hadassa Kessler.

Kisharon works together with people to register on the electoral roll, and has discussions with them about the election process, parties, and how it might affect them. Many of the people supported by Kisharon have been following the news headlines and thinking about the impact a change in government might have.

Kisharon holds citizenship groups for those with a keen interest in politics, and these involve more detailed conversations about the electoral process.

Fortunately, three of the five major parties have committed to publishing their manifesto in Easy Read, which makes the information far more accessible.

This year, Kisharon is using Voting Passports, produced by Dimensions, a charity for people with learning disabilities, which allow users to register in advance any kind of adjustments or additional suppport they might need on Election Day.

Anyone who wants to vote is offered assistance to their polling station, and there is usually a very high percentage of people voting because they have been spending time thinking and talking about it together.

Kisharon’s team of trained professional staff and volunteers are careful to ensure they do not influence any decision making, and that the choice is completely with the person they are supporting.