DISABLED voters are being encouraged to use the general election to make sure their voices are heard.

A spokesperson from Leonard Cheshire Disability said: "The next government will be making decisions about everything from whether we get more disabled-friendly homes built to essential support with cooking, washing and getting out and about.

"To use your vote you need to make sure you are on the electoral register. You can check this by contacting your council. There are lots of ways to vote, you can vote at your local polling station, by post, or you can nominate someone to cast your vote for you. The deadline to register to vote is April, 20".

The spokesperson added that authorities should make sure that polling stations are accessible.

She commented: "There are many ways that they can do this, for example by making sure polling stations are accessible to wheelchair users, providing forms in large-print or taking time to explain the process so that someone can cast their vote."