FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 13, 2001
CONTACT: Jerry Mindes
+1-202-828-8507

Intellectually Disabled Individuals Observe Nicaraguan National Elections

Adults with intellectual disabilities served as election observers in Nicaragua's recent national elections, possibly for the first time globally. Under a project directed by IFES and funded by the Swedish government, the Nicaraguan Association for Community Integration (ASNIC) provided training for over 100 observers with disabilities, 20 of whom were individuals with intellectual disabilities. Managuan special education professor Horacio Ortega designed a three-part training program for these 20 observers. The training included the use of a mock voting table to demonstrate the different roles and responsibilities of poll workers, party agents, observers, and voters.

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IFES provides technical assistance in the promotion of democracy worldwide and serves as a clearinghouse for information about democratic development and elections. Since its inception in 1987, the Foundation has promoted democratic initiatives in more than 120 countries. For more information, please visit the IFES web site at www.ifes.org.