Media Guideline For Reporting On Accessible Elections
Media Guideline For Reporting On Accessible Elections
Media Guideline For Reporting On Accessible Elections
of the worlds
population
ONLINE MEDIA
1 of 7 people
es essible
n
i
l
e
c
id
c
u
A
G
n
a
Medi porting o n
for Re Country Editio
n
o
i
t
c
e
El
ia
es
Indon
First Edition
This guidebook has been compiled from international best practices from around the
world and is based on input from journalists. The chapters it contains are intended to
improve the quality of media coverage on accessible elections and the political
participation of people with disabilities.
Media Guidelines
for Reporting on Accessible
Elections
Indonesian Edition
First Edition
AGENDA
Foreword
One of the most important aspect in advocating the political rights of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in elections is how to provide the right information to the public on the
rights. To assure that there will be no misunderstanding on the rights, it is required public
outreach and explanation on disability, the political rights, and the terminology used by
the Persons with Disabilities.
For the last couple of years, there were more reporting on disability in the media but most
of them only reporting and portraying the uniqueness of disability. In the election news
reporting, media only portray the Persons with Disabilities on the voting process but the
news still did not have the clear message and even used incorrect terminologies. Learning
for these experiences, General Election Network for Disability Access (AGENDA) which is
the consortium of Jaringan Pendidikan Pemilih untuk Rakyat (JPPR/ Peoples Voter Education Network), Persatuan Penyandang Disabilitas Indonesia (PPDI/Indonesian Association
of Persons with Disabilities) and International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), took
an initiative to develop the Media Guidelines for Reporting on Accessible Elections.
This guideline explains about the terminology on disability and accessible election, how
to interact with Persons with Disabilities, and how to make the news article on the political rights of Persons with Disabilities. The guidelines also provides the examples of good
reporting and the contact information of the Disabled Peoples Organizations (DPOs) in
Indonesia. We hope the guidelines will be useful for the journalist to report on the Persons
with Disabilities, especially to report on the accessible election. By having good and massive reporting on accessible election, we hope the public have more knowledge about the
political rights of Persons with Disabilities. As a result of this efforts, the public awareness
is increased and together we can advocate the political rights of Person with Disabilities in
elections.
We would like to thank various parties who have provided support in writing this guidelines such as PPDIs and JPPRs colleagues for their active involvement in developing the
guidelines, the journalist for their good and critical feedbacks received in the Focus Group
Discussion (FGD), Justin Snyder for his help in writing and making this guidelines into realization. Lastly, we also would like to thank IFES and Department of Foreign Affairs and
Trade (DFAT) who has provided support for the activity. We hope the Media Guidelines for
Reporting on Accessible Elections will be very beneficial for all of us.
Jakarta, January 2015
Mochammad Afifuddin
National Coordinator
Jaringan Pendidikan Pemilih untuk Rakyat (JPPR/Peoples Voter Education Network)
Media Guidelines for Reporting on Accessible Elections
Table of Contents
3
Foreword
About AGENDA
Introduction
11
15
21
27
29
37
41
51
53
55
About AGENDA
The General Election Network for Disability Access (AGENDA) is a coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs) and disabled peoples organizations (DPOs) from five countries
in Southeast Asia that aims to promote the political and electoral rights of persons with
disabilities.
To achieve this goal, DPOs and CSOs from Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines and Vietnam collaborate with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems
(IFES) to conduct research studies, coordinate advocacy efforts, monitor elections for
accessibility, and encourage regional dialogue on the political participation of persons
with disabilities.
Together, AGENDA partners are raising awareness about accessibility for persons with
disabilities in elections across the region and ensuring that disability rights are a prominent part of ASEANs developing human rights agenda.
For more information, please visit www.agendaasia.org
AGENDA
Laos
Myanmar
Cambodia
Vietnam
Philippines
Thailand
Brunei Darussalam
Malaysia
Singapore
Indonesia
Introduction
In any democratic society, the media is essential to ensuring that the public has accurate
information about key policy developments and in holding the government accountable
to its obligations. In reporting the news, the media has a responsibility to report objectively and ethically to avoid a biased representation of the truth. As a watchdog, the
media helps to uncover unethical and even illegal behavior in order to ensure that the
rule of law and the rights of the public are protected.
During an election cycle, the role of the media takes on a heightened importance. While
the objectivity of the media came under question during Indonesias 2014 presidential
election, it still reported on policy positions and critical developments from the campaign trail. Journalists also raised the alarm on illegal practices of vote-buying, money
politics and electoral manipulation, which threatened to undermine the fundamental
principle of one person, one vote and the violation of civil rights. However, as is the
case in most election reporting throughout Southeast Asia, voters with disabilities were
largely absent from this discussion.
These guidelines have been compiled from international best practices based on decades of experience in order to provide the media a quick reference for reporting on the
participation of people with disabilities in the democratic process. They provide practical
knowledge about story angles, terminology and etiquette in writing about persons with
disabilities. It also provides a number of useful resources, such as facts and figures about
elections in Indonesia, statistics on people with disabilities and links to disabled peoples
organizations (DPOs).
Political participation is the lifeblood of any democratic society. Taking part in town hall
meetings, organizing petitions, and casting ballots in free and fair elections are all ways
in which citizens exert influence on important government policy. Should taxes be high
or low? How much health care should the government provide? What can be done to
promote economic growth, prosperity, security and equality? These are all questions that
voters set out to answer each time they cast a ballot for a representative of their choice.
Media Guidelines for Reporting on Accessible Elections
This is precisely why political participation takes on even more importance for people
with disabilities. Whereas their non-disabled compatriots may be able to easily get on
and off a bus, go shopping for their daily needs, or simply cross the street, these seemingly simple daily tasks can be large challenges for people with disabilities if the government has not taken their unique considerations into account. Unless significant pressure
is brought to bear, people with disabilities face a future in which discrimination, physical
barriers and stigma continue to limit their full integration into society.
Elections provide a unique opportunity to increase participation and change public perceptions about the abilities of persons with disabilities. As a result, persons with disabilities can have a stronger political voice and be increasingly recognized as equal citizens1.
Political participation is about fostering fundamental change now and for the future
for everyone.
1
10
IFES (2014) Equal Access: How to Include Persons with Disabilities in Elections and Political Processes, pg. 15
First Edition
Chapter 1
Understanding Disability
FIRST THINGS FIRST
The concept of person-first language is important to understand when talking
about or reporting on people with disabilities. Person-first language is influenced by the understanding that a person is not defined by his or her disability. Therefore, they should always be referred to as a person first, and by their
disability second.
For example, in referring to people with physical disabilities, one should use, A
number of voters with physical disabilities protested at Polling Station X, and
not Physically disabled voters were upset because the lack of a ramp put the
voting booth beyond their reach.
For more guidance on first language and appropriate terminology, please refer
to the chapter entitled How to report on accessible elections.
The following list2 provides a brief overview of the different types of disabilities, and how
to (generally) refer to them appropriately in media:
Vision - use person with low vision for people who have partial sight, or a person who is blind for people with no, or very limited, sight.
2
11
Hearing - use person who is hard of hearing for people who have partial hearing and use an oral language, and person who is deaf for people with very limited or no hearing ability and use a sign language.
Physical - use person who uses a wheelchair or person with a physical disability.
Developmental a developmental disability refers to cognitive or physical disabilities that occur during the early years before the age of 18. Refer to a person
with a developmental disability or, when appropriate, refer to the specific condition, e.g. a person with autism, cerebral palsy, or spina bifida
Intellectual intellectual disability is a term used when there are limits to a persons ability to learn at an expected level and function in daily life. Use a person
with an intellectual disability or, when appropriate, refer to a specific condition,
e.g. a person with Down syndrome
Psychosocial psychosocial disability refers to conditions that affect cognition,
emotion and behaviour, e.g. depression, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder. Use
a person with a psychosocial disability.
With so many types of disabilities, it is understandable that several different approaches have been developed to address disability. These various approaches are helpful to
describe social attitudes toward disability and are not mutually exclusive. A concise description of each approach is provided below3:
Charity approach when it is assumed that persons with disabilities are unable
to be full participants in society and need help. Persons with disabilities are pitied.
Medical approach when persons with disabilities are treated as though their
disability is the cause of all barriers. In this model, persons with disabilities are
encouraged to adjust to their environments, rather than the other way around.
Social approach when disability is defined as a result of a persons interaction
with their environment. The preamble of the U.N. Convention on the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities says, Disability results from the interaction between
persons with impairments and attitudinal and environmental barriers that hinders their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.
3
12
IFES and NDI (2014) Equal Access: How to Include Persons with Disabilities in Elections and Political
Processes
First Edition
Rights-based approach here, the emphasis is shifted from dependence to empowerment. Persons with disabilities have the same basic human rights as all
other citizens and governments should guarantee rights and be held accountable
for protection.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), released in 2006 and ratified by the government of Indonesia in 2011, adopts the more
modern social and human rights models. Under Article 1, the CRPD defines disability as:
Persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental,
intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers
may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis
with others.
This definition suggests that disability is a constructed phenomenon based on cultural
perceptions of human differences. That is, disability is not so much a personal characteristic as it is an outcome of an environment that puts barriers in the way of people with
functional impairments.4
AGENDA
Demographic Institute Faculty of Economics University of Indonesia (2013) People with Disabilities
in Indonesia; Empirical facts and implications for social protection policies
Media Guidelines for Reporting on Accessible Elections
13
Chapter 2
Elections in Indonesia
Since its transition to democracy in the late 1990s, Indonesia has held four rounds of
elections. The first democratic contest in 1999 saw the election of legislators for the
national legislature (DPR-RI) and regional legislatures (DPRDs). The subsequent 2004,
2009 and 2014 elections once again included legislative races at the national and regional level, and added candidates for the newly created legislative chamber, the Regional
Representative Council (Dewan Perwakilan Daerah DPD), as well as the introduction of
direct presidential elections.
Indonesian elections are probby the numbers: elections in indonesia
ably among the worlds most
complex electoral events. During
Year
Election
Registered
Turnout
Voters
the April 2014 elections, for ex2014
Legislative
187 million
75%
ample, four million officials in
2014
Presidential
193 million
70%
550,000 polling stations across a
2009
DPR
171
million
71%
country of 17,000 islands, man2009
Presidential
176 million
73%
aged 775 million ballot papers
in 2,471 different designs to get
Source: KPU, www.kpu.go.id
19,699 candidates elected for
532 legislatures at the national and sub-national levels.
Indonesia is home to the second-largest one-day elections in the world (just behind the
United States). According to the national census from April 2010, the current total population of Indonesia is 237.56 million. More than 190 million voters were registered for
the 9 July presidential election, including over 2 million overseas voters, with a turnout
Media Guidelines for Reporting on Accessible Elections
15
rate of nearly 70 percent. The 2014 legislative elections, held just three months prior,
saw 187 million registered voters and a turnout of 75.11 percent, which is an impressive
increase from 71 percent in 2009.
To participate in the 2014 elections a citizen must be at least 17 years old on Election
Day. However, if a citizen is married and under 17, he/she can cast a ballot5. As has been
the practice in all of Indonesia since the first elections introduced under the New Order,
active police and military do not vote. Outside the election law, the Indonesian Criminal
Code and the Law on Corruption Crimes allow for the court to punish an individual by
taking away some of their rights, including their political rights (to vote).
16
Law No. 1/1974 states that marriage is only allowed if the man is at least 19 and the woman is at
least 16. Deviations from this requirement can be made where the parents of the bride or groom
ask for a dispensation from the court (Article 7.1 and 7.2).
First Edition
Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA), and until the KPUs own-hired staff develop sufficient
seniority, the KPU will remain dependent on such transfers for its middle and senior management. The commission and secretariat structures are replicated regionally throughout the provinces and regencies/municipalities, which each have five commissioners6.
The KPU has approximately 13,865 staff and 2,659 commissioners in 531 offices across
Indonesia.
The Election Oversight Body (Badan Pengawas Pemilihan Umum/Bawaslu) is the institution in charge of overseeing implementation of elections. Provisions in Law No.
15/2011 establish the Bawaslu and the KPU as equal and separate institutions. Bawaslu
commissioners are selected for a five-year term in the same manner as KPU commissioners by the same selection committee. Bawaslus regional counterpart, provincial Bawaslu, is a permanent institution consisting of three Commissioners in each province. At
levels below the provincial Bawaslu, membership is not permanent and consists of the
following: three members at the regency/municipal level, three at the sub-district level
and one field supervisor at every ward/village level. Electoral disputes are filed with
Bawaslu first to be classified and channeled to appropriate institutions (DKPP, police or
Constitutional Court). Bawaslu has adjudicatory power to solve disputes between the
KPU and candidates.
The Honorary Council of Election Management Bodies (Dewan Kehormatan Penyelenggara Pemilu, DKPP), is a national-level ethics council established by Law No. 15/2011 to
review and decide upon complaints and/or reports of alleged violations of the code of
ethics committed by members of the KPU and Bawaslu. The DKPP is established within
two months of the inauguration of KPU and Bawaslu members for a five-year term, and
consists of one KPU commissioner, one Bawaslu commissioner and five community leaders. The DKPP ensures that the work of KPU and Bawaslu commissioners meets the joint
Code of Ethics of Election Management Bodies; the council has powers to recommend
commissioners dismissal. DKPP recommendations are final and binding, however, commissioners dismissed as a consequence of the DKPP recommendation can file an appeal
with the State Administrative Court.
Stay Sharp
With the 2014 elections now completed in Indonesia, the attention will turn to the upcoming
gubernatorial and regent/municipal elections
throughout 2015 and beyond. Between 2015 and
6
17
2019, new executive leaders will be elected in all 34 provinces and in 497 regencies/
municipalities.7
Whereas national elections are conducted on a single day, in April for legislative races
and in July for the presidential election, local elections are currently conducted throughout a two- to three-year period8. This means that attention to important issues, such as
the inclusion of people with disabilities in the election, can be divided. Thus, members
of the press should continue to be vigilant as local elections have tremendous impacts
on the daily lives of people with disabilities.
CRPD Article 29 that state parties shall guarantee to persons with disabilities political rights and the opportunity to enjoy them on an equal basis with others. Thus, to
improve access to political and electoral opportunities for persons with disabilities in
Southeast Asia, the General Election Network for Disability Access (AGENDA), focuses a
significant portion of its work to the evaluation of electoral accessibility for persons with
disabilities through monitoring or observation.
To this end, the program developed observation checklists and post-election surveys
that allowed election observers, both those with and without disabilities, to focus on
specific issues related to accessibility for voters with disabilities. Observation findings
are then used as a basis for policy advocacy and the further inclusion of people with
disabilities into the political process.
During Indonesias 2014 presidential election, AGENDA fielded observation activities in
five provinces, namely Aceh, Central Java, Jakarta, South Kalimantan and South Sulawesi. A total of 300 observers, plus two observers from the Myanmar Independent Living
Initiative (M-ILI) and one observer from the Cambodian Disabled Peoples Organization
(CDPO) collected data from 470 polling stations and conducted interviews with 470 poll
workers, 789 voters with disabilities and 387 persons with disabilities who did not vote.
As of this writing, a Perppu (Presidential Decree in Lieu of Law) had been issued in order to overturn a law
passed by the DPR in late 2014 and restore the direct election of local executives. A Perppu takes immediate
effect as law, but must be voted upon by the DPR in order to take permanent effect. The current DPR is scheduled to vote on the Perppu in January 2015.
The KPU was, as of this writing, considering a move to synchronize local elections during the 2015-2019 schedule in an effort to move toward a single nationwide local Election Day in 2019.
18
First Edition
Blind
234
154
388
Deaf
92
47
139
500
268
768
58
34
Physical
Intellectual
Total
Total
92
1,387
9
10
19
Based on AGENDAs monitoring results, it concluded that on the one hand, it seemed
that the accessibility of polling stations for persons with disabilities had improved compared to previous elections. There also appeared to be considerable improvements regarding the knowledge of polling staff about the specific needs of voters with disabilities. A large majority of voters also stated that they perceived polling workers as being
helpful and service-oriented. However, much still remains to be done in order to make
elections in Indonesia accessible for all. Although regulations require the KPU to select
accessible locations for polling stations, two-thirds of all polling stations still had physical
barriers such as stairs, making it difficult for persons with physical disabilities to access
the polling station. Likewise, 164 (35 percent) polling stations failed to comply with the
requirement to provide Braille templates for voters with visual disabilities. Overall, more
than one-third of voters reported that they experienced some kind of difficulties during
the voting process.
Chapter 3
Elections and Disability
Rights
The two previous chapters clearly highlight that disabilities and elections are both important issues. Where the two intersect, that is participation of people with disabilities
in elections, the issues amplify one another in importance. If the WHOs estimate of
15 percent is applied, this would mean nearly 29 million voters across the archipelago
would be people with disabilities. This is a significant figure no doubt, but to put it in
perspective, it is almost 20 percent higher than the number of people who voted for the
top vote-getting party in the April 2014 election (PDIP). Obviously, assuming voters with
disabilities share a unified political perspective is overly simplistic; however, it is instructive in terms of thinking about the scope of the issue and the fundamental importance
of ensuring their political rights.
21
An accessible election requires that polling sta- AGENDA I Disability Rights Advisor
tions fulfill the principles of accessibility: they
must be easily accessible by voters, pathways towards the polling station must not be
slippery, the polling station must allow for enough room for movement, and ballot boxes
must be placed in a pedestal that is easily reachable by voters with all kind of height or
physical conditions. Election officials and polling station staff should be polite and knowledgeable about supporting the rights of persons with disabilities to vote. Also, a braille
template must be provided for those with who have low vision or are blind.
First Edition
Post-Electoral Period
Pre-Electoral Period
Make EMB
website accessible
Involve DPOs in lessons learned
Develop relationship between
EMB and DPOs
In consultation with
DPOS, determine if disability
should be on ID card
Ensure persons with disabilities
have access to necessary ID documents
for voting
Select accessible voter registration and polling
station locations
Conduct civic/voter education in accessible formats
Develop policies on alternative voting methods
such as voting in advance/mobile ballot boxes
Develop policy on priority voting
Electoral Period
11
23
LEGAL PROTECTIONS
The principles of accessible elections are guaranteed by a large
legal framework, spanning international, regional and domestic laws.
The Indonesian constitution as
well as the UDHR, ICCPR, and
CRPD obligate the government
of Indonesia to provide for and
facilitate the full participation
of people with disabilities in the
democratic process.
First Edition
with disabilities and the opportunity to enjoy those rights on an equal basis with others.
The state parties must also take measures to ensure that persons with disabilities can
participate in political and public life fully and effectively, either directly or through freely
chosen representatives, including the right and opportunity for persons with disabilities
to be able to vote and be elected. To date there are 159 signatories and 151 ratifications
and accessions to the CRPD. Indonesia ratified the CRPD on November 30, 2011.
25
Chapter 4
The Role of Media on
Reporting about Accessible
Elections
There are three pillars of democratic government: the legislative, the executive and the
judiciary. However, the media often plays such an important role that it is referred to as
the fourth pillar.
The power to influence opinion and shape debate on an issue is one of the medias great
strengths. Through television, radio, newspapers, magazines, the Internet and social media, a free and independent press speaks out against injustice and helps to protect the
rights of all citizens.
News, therefore, contains an element of advocacy not just to influence public policy, but to also
affect perceptions about people with disabilities
among the general public. Well-written and carefully researched pieces can challenge stereotypes,
undermine stigma and contribute to the further
integration of people with disabilities into mainstream society.
On the other hand, poorly-written pieces can confirm discriminatory attitudes and perpetuate commonly held prejudices. This is true of reporting on disability in general, but
is especially true in reporting on accessible elections.
27
The International Labor Organizations Media Guidelines for the Portrayal of People with
Disabilities does a particularly apt job of underlining the importance of the medias role12:
While there are some disability-specific media programs, such as television documentaries, disabled people rarely appear as part of mainstream programs. When
they do appear, they are often stigmatized or stereotyped, and may appear as
either objects of pity or super heroic accomplishment and endurance. Including
them in regular programs on television and radio in addition to other types of media can help provide fair and balanced representation and helps to counter commonplace stereotypes that perpetuate negative perceptions of disabled persons.
Portraying people with disabilities with dignity and respect in the media can help
promote more inclusive and tolerant societies.
12
28
International Labor Organization (2010) Media Guidelines For the Portrayal of People with Disabilities pg.5-6
First Edition
Chapter 5
Reporting on Accessible
Elections and Citizens with
Disabilities
There are a number of considerations to weigh before getting started on an article, video
or photo of a person with a disability.
Editors and journalists can sometimes be resistant to the idea of providing dedicated
coverage of accessible elections. Within the fast-paced cycle of campaign coverage a
number of common excuses might be encountered in the newsroom:
Excuse
Counter argument
29
It is important to remember that news coverage should highlight real issues, challenges,
and new developments that affect the lives of people with disabilities, rather than sensationalizing routine activities, such as casting a ballot. While it is more difficult for many
people with disabilities to perform daily tasks, it is often not because of their disability,
but because they live in a society that has laid down barriers they must overcome.
The following table provides a few ideas for stories that focus on real issues, rather than
focusing on people with disabilities as objects of pity or as heroes for non-noteworthy
achievements.
Electoral Phase Positive, Up-beat Story
DPOs mobilize the disability
community through get out
the vote campaigns.
30
First Edition
Also, before beginning a story, the following guidance13 provides a brief summary of
some factors to think about:
Think about
If its not essential to the story, do
you need to focus on or include the
persons disability?
Giving the person with the disability
a voice, even if its a challenge.
Portraying the person as part of their
community.
Trying not to portray people with a
disability who achieve great success
or physical feats as heroic/inspirational.
Avoiding terms like despite and
overcoming the odds/adversity
when describing a persons achievements.
Trying not to portray people with a
disability who marry/have a job/have
children/undertake daily activities as
extraordinary.
Being careful not to portray having a
disability as a tragedy or an affliction/
illness.
Trying not to divulge too much information about the person.
13
Because
People with a disability are people first
they are not all the same or defined by their
disability.
Otherwise, it implies they cant speak or
think for themselves.
People with a disability are not a separate
class of people. They have jobs, friends,
families, relationships and viewpoints.
It suggests that it is surprising that people
with a disability can achieve great success.
Every person with a disability is an individual whose life is valuable and rich.
Those with a disability, like others in the
community, can be targets of violence and
crime. Also, like people without a disability
they choose to share personal information
as they see fit.
31
Along with your usual pre-interview research and preparation, some things you might
like to consider when interviewing a person with a disability are:
Have you thought about choosing an accessible interview location, e.g. a room that can
be accessed via a ramp or lift?
Will the interviewee require any additional support, e.g. a sign language interpreter?
Ask the person if they need anything.
When interviewing a person with a disability, its important to take a moment to think
about your approach. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:
Ask the person how they feel every person is different and can view their disability
differently.
Ask them how they would like their disability to be described.
In some cases, a person with a disability might use a term that does not match the updated terminology list. For example, they may say I am hearing impaired instead of I
am hard-of-hearing.
When this happens, a good approach is to write something like, [Interviewees name],
who describes herself as hearing impaired, cast a vote for the first time today. In the
rest of the article, use the appropriate terminology when referring to the community,
for example: Citizens who are deaf or hard-of-hearing often do not have access to basic
information about elections and their right to vote.
This way, a reporter is respectful of the persons right to define their disability, but is also
mindful of international and national standards on disability terminology.
Make sure you focus on the person during the interview, even if a care provider, friend or
family member tries to speak on their behalf. It is important the person with a disability
is heard.
If an interviewee is working with a sign language interpreter, it is very important to always look at the interviewee, not at the sign language interpreter. Interviewees who
are deaf or hard-of-hearing need to be able to see your facial expressions when you are
speaking. This helps facilitate communication.
32
First Edition
If an interviewee is working with a service dog, please do not pet the dog. It is a working
dog and must focus on doing its job to support the person with a disability.
In some instances you will need to allow the person time to provide their answer. If a
person is stuttering, or using a machine to speak, do not finish their sentence for them.
Instead, be patient and wait until they are done before responding.
Ask the hard questions (if the disability is central to the story) dont assume a person
with a disability will be too sensitive to talk about the way they deal with certain tasks
in their life.
Interviewing a person with disability may require a bit more forethought. Here are some
ways14 to ensure your interviewee is comfortable and relaxed and you get what you
need.
Dont
Stand over your interviewee
Shoot down on people, when
filming or taking photos; consider
microphone height
Cut away to equipment or focus
on aids, such as wheelchairs when
filming
Assist a person with disability without asking first
Assume every location is accessible
Do
Sit at the same level
Shoot the person with disability at their
level
Always focus on the person, not their
disability
Ask if you can assist in any way
14
Government of Australia, Disability Services Commission (2012) Reporting on disability: Words that Work - A
Guide for Media pg. 2-3
Media Guidelines for Reporting on Accessible Elections
33
Rephrase the question or ask them to repeat the answer they are probably used
to people asking for clarification and wont
be offended
Be mindful of intrusive questions, such as
intimate aspects of their lives (such as how
they sleep or use the bathroom) which
may be offensive
If someone is hard of hearing, seek their
guidance on the best approach to communicate. Ask if one side is better than the
other to hear, or if they require an interpreter. If the person lip reads, look directly
at them and speak clearly at a normal
pace and keep your hands clear of your
face.
If the person has low vision or is blind,
identify yourself and introduce any other
people also present; maintain eye contact
How people with a disability are represented visually is just as important as the language
used to describe them. This list provides a guide for photographing or filming people
with a disability:
Use photos that show the person with a disability in a way that is positive and respectful,
not as a victim or someone to be pitied. For example photos, please refer to Annex 4.
Refer to the persons disability only if it is critical to the story.
Try not to include the persons care provider or family unless it is absolutely necessary to
support the person or central to the piece show them as independent.
Avoid cutting away to equipment like wheelchairs when filming focus on the person, as
you would in any other interview unless it is central to the story.
Unless this is the focus of the story, try not to show the person in isolation. Many people
with a disability are active in the community.
34
First Edition
Instead of...
Disabled/the disabled/victim of/suffers
from/
handicapped/special/stricken with/unfortunate
Autistic person
Epileptic person
Physically challenged
The deaf
The blind, blind people
State of Victoria, Department of Human Services (2012) Reporting it Right: 3-minute Checklist
Media Guidelines for Reporting on Accessible Elections
35
36
First Edition
Absentee ballot:
Absolute majority:
Accessibility:
The extent to which persons with different types of disabilities can easily use a physical structure or system.
For example, an accessibility polling station means it is
easy to use for persons with different types of disabilities. An accessible electoral process will make it easy
for all voters with disabilities to learn information about
the election, to register to vote and to cast a ballot.
Assistive tool:
Audio ballot:
Ballot:
A piece of paper listing the candidates running for office. A ballot is used to cast a vote.
Ballot box:
Ballot instructions:
Information provided to the voter during the voting session that describes the procedure for executing a ballot.
Instructions might appear directly on the ballot
37
Braille:
A writing system comprised of raised dots used by people who are blind or have low vision
By-election:
Cast ballot:
Challenged ballot:
Ballot provided to individuals who claim they are registered and eligible to vote, but whose eligibility or registration status cannot be confirmed. Once they vote,
their ballots must be kept separate from other ballots
and are not included in the final count of votes until after the voters eligibility is confirmed.
Electoral Commissioner:
The officer who performs the functions of the Chief Executive Officer of the EMB
Election district:
Electors:
An electronic voting system is when technology or computers are used for at least one of the following: ballots
in electronic form, recording a vote, counting votes.
Enfranchise:
Exit Poll:
General election:
Inclusion:
When persons with disabilities are involved in all electoral activities on an equal basis with other citizens, including leadership positions.
38
First Edition
Intellectual disability:
Legally determined:
Level access:
Flat or gently sloping access from the street to the inside of a polling place. Level access is essential so that
electors using wheelchairs and others who have difficulty with stairs or curbs can exercise their right to vote.
Mainstreaming:
Process whereby persons with disabilities are integrated as equal participants and leaders in assistance programs and society.
Polling center:
Polling station:
Location where people go to cast their votes. Each elector is assigned to a specific polling station, according to
his or her residential address.
Postal vote:
Electors who cannot attend a polling place in their country on Election Day can apply for a postal vote. They will
then be mailed their ballot papers, which must be sent
back before the close of polling.
Presiding officer:
Proxy vote:
Psychosocial disability:
39
Reasonable accommodation: Provision of materials or environment that allow persons with disabilities to participate and contribute on
an equal basis with others.
Referendum:
Returning officer:
Run-off election:
Election to select a winner following a primary or a general election in which no candidate managed to receive
the required minimum percentage of the votes cast.
The two candidates who received the most votes for the
contest in question proceed to the run-off election.
Spoiled ballots:
Tactile:
Raised symbols that can be used in contexts where persons are not fluent in Braille.
Turnout:
Twin-track approach:
Universal design:
Wasted vote:
40
First Edition
Dcare
41
FKDAC
Jl. Swadaya XVIII No.6 RT 02 Lingkungan Kekalek Timur, Kelurahan Kekalek Jaya,
Kecamatan Sekarbela
Kota Mataram, Nusa Tenggara Barat
Telephone: (0370) 623183
Director: Siti Junari, S.IP
Contact Person: Sinarmin
Mobile: 081933145740
FKDAC
FKKDPCA
42
First Edition
GKTE
43
HOPC
Apartment & Office Menteng Square 2nd Floor, Tower A Block AK-12, JL. Matraman Raya
No. 30E, Menteng
Kota Jakarta Pusat, DKI Jakarta
Telephone: (021) 49041858
Director: Maulani Rotinsulu
Email: [email protected]
Telephone:
(0361) 7888299
Director: Ni Ketut Mursi
Contact Person: Ni Kadek Armayanti
Mobile: 08123636460
Email: [email protected]
JL. KH. Agussalim No. 591 Kelurahan Paguyaman Kec. Kota Tengah Kota Gorontalo
Director: Risna Karim, SE
Mobile: 081219611965
44
First Edition
Perumnas Cijerah II Blok I KSB. 10, Jl. Melong Raya gang Suka Asih, Kel. Cijerah Kec. Cimahi Selatan
Kota Cimahi, Jawa Barat 40534
Email: [email protected]
45
LPT
Mimi Institute
Telephone:
(027 ) 636486
Director: Seni Marbun
Mobile: 0817447401
46
First Edition
PERPARI
Persani
Telephone:
0411 423 053
Director: Hamzah Yamin
47
Jl. Raya Bogor Km. 19, Ruko Blok Q No. 13 L, Kramat Jati
Kota Jakarta Timur, DKI Jakarta 13510
Telephone: (021) 8005480
Fax:
(021) 8013402
Director: Didi Tarsidi
Jalan Otomotif Raya I Nomor 32 B - BTN GRIYA ASRI, Desa Senteluk, Kecamatan Batu
Layar
Kabupaten Lombok Barat, Nusa Tenggara Barat
Director: Budi Cahyono, SH
Mobile: 081916027569
Jl. Keramat Jati RT 30,RW 11, Kelurahan Maulafa Tofa, Kec Maulafa
Kota Kupang, Nusa Tenggara Timur
Director: Iwan Pongkapadang
Email: [email protected]
48
First Edition
Senang Hati
Telephone:
(0361) 7470718
Director: Putu
Email: [email protected]
SIGAB
Telephone:
082325236996
Fax:
62-274-378461
Director: Joni Yulianto
Contact Person: Joni Yulianto
Mobile: +62811SIGAB (hotline)
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.sigab.or.id/
49
Soina
Tranformasi Lepra
Jl. Lebak Bulus II, Gang Gunung Balong II / 58, Lebak Bulus
Kota Jakarta Selatan, DKI Jakarta 12440
Telephone:(021) 7651368
(021) 75913480
(021) 7655264
Fax:
Jl. KH. Agus Salim Gg. Masjid I No. 37 RT 002/006 Poris Plawad Cipondoh
Kota Tangerang, Banten 15141
Telephone: (021) 5573 1875
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://ydmi.intelove.com
50
First Edition
51
Example 2
TRIBUN NEWS: AGENDA Safeguards Voting Rights for Persons with Disabilities
Date: 26 June 2014
Media Outlet: tribunnews.com
Type: National News
Description: A consortium of NGOs is funded by Australian government to safeguard the
political rights of persons with disabilities
Summary: Persons with disabilities have seen both improvements and continuous challenges in the last few elections. AGENDA was established in 2011 to support and safeguard political rights of persons with disabilities, particularly for elections. Currently,
AGENDA is funded by the Australian government-Ausaid. Similar to the election commission, a member of the Election Supervisory appreciative of AGENDAs work.
Review: This article is effective as it highlights the need for Indonesian EMBs and election stakeholders to support the accommodation requirements of persons with physical
and visual disabilities so that they are able to exercise their electoral rights. It also does a
good job in clarifying the importance of protecting the rights of persons with disabilities
and applauding inclusive collaboration between different organizations to mainstream
persons with disabilities into the electoral and democratic process in Indonesia. The article has strong messages in portraying disability issue, political rights, inclusiveness and
international cooperation.
Link: http://www.tribunnews.com/australia-plus/2014/06/26/agenda-mengawal-hakpilih-kaum-disabilitas
52
First Edition
Woman casts a ballot in Aceh, Indonesia. This photo is a good example because it
shows a voter with a disability actively participating in the electoral process.
Actors with disabilities filming a training video for polling station officials. This
photo is a good example because it shows people with disabilities in leadership
roles.
53
Woman casts her ballot at an accessible polling station. This photo is a good example because it features a voter with a disability actively participating in the political
process.
54
First Edition
55