The vast majority of people with learning disabilities who read accessible newspaper Easy News feel more engaged with world events as a result, a new survey has found.
Disability charity United Response launched Easy News at the beginning of 2013 with the aim of giving people with learning disabilities the opportunity to find out about world events, in order to gain a greater understanding of current affairs and how politics affects our everyday lives.
As the 19th issue of Easy News is published, results from the latest readership survey found that 99% of them feel they have a better understanding of what is happening in the world, while 97% are now able to discuss current news events. A further 93% of respondents feel they are taking a greater interest in politics.
Easy News aims to encourage discussion around news stories and keep readers informed by simplifying the complex language that is often used in mainstream news that some can find off putting.
The 19th issue of Easy News features news of: Tim Peake, the first British man in space; the global warming agreement, as well as an outline of what the European referendum means and details of the junior doctors’ strike. Each issue has a variety of quick news stories and this month’s edition includes an update on the government’s ‘Bedroom tax, along with information about the big sporting events taking place this year.
Diane Lightfoot, United Response’s director of policy and communications, said: “The response from our latest readership survey encourages us to continue making the news, current affairs and politics accessible to as many people as possible.
“Easy News has always aimed to deliver a varied range of news stories, in order to make the news accessible for the thousands of people with learning disabilities who have found themselves excluded from public debate in the past, and this latest edition is no exception.”
To download the 19th edition of Easy News, go to: www.unitedresponse.org.uk/easy-news
