1. R ESULTS AND D ISCUSSION Though 10 participants completed the survey, three were excluded from the analyses as one was not of legal voting age and two others indicated that they did not remember what the training was for, thus their results would have likely been invalid. Of the 7 surveys analyzed (mean age = 23, 57% female), 100% of respondents noted that the training was easy to understand, was helpful in learning how to use the eSlate, and provided an opportunity to practice using the eSlate. Six of seven respondents were registered to vote, and of these six, half indicated that they chose to vote independently using the eSlate machine, while others preferred voting traditionally or by mail. Additionally, all respondents noted that they liked the training and that the survey was easy to answer and that the pictures used on the survey were helpful. It is promising that half of the respondents who voted chose to use the eSlate machine as their preferred voting methodology as this indicates the true usability and accessibility of the device. E VERY V OTE C OUNTS IN A CTION A IM The purpose of this study is to pilot a survey tool that is designed to evaluate the quality of the voting experience as well as the effectiveness of an eSlate training program for individuals with DD. I NTRODUCTION United States legislation mandates that polling places be accessible to individuals with developmental disabilities (DD). The Help America Vote Act (HAVA) was signed into law on October 29, 2002 (HAVA, 2002; Americans with Disabilities Act, 1990) to help ensure that individuals with DD are able to access their voting rights privately and independently. With resources dwindling and budgets being cut throughout many states, it is essential that people with DD take an active part in the electoral process. Having a greater voice in the voting process may also lead to greater self- determination. Currently, very little information is known about the training individuals with DD receive on voting technology use. The eSlate is a type of voting technology provided by many locations, including Hamilton County, as an accessible alternative to traditional ballots, which fits within the definition of assistive technology. Training on the eSlate should help increase the ability of people with DD to effectively use the technology and exercise their constitutional liberties. M ETHOD First, a voter training session was conducted with several adults with DD from one of our community partners, Starfire U who were interested in learning more about voting. This training provided an opportunity for participants to learn about the eSlate as well as gain experience using one. After obtaining IRB approval, data was collected from 10 individuals who participated in the voter training session using a training effectiveness survey designed for this purposes of this study. A CKNOWLEDGMENTS E VERY V OTE C OUNTS : I NDIVIDUALS WITH D EVELOPMENTAL D ISABILITIES AND V OTER T ECHNOLOGY T RAINING Sara Bitter JD, Stephanie Bowman BS, Zach Goble MS, Brady Sellet, Sandra Grether PhD CCC-SLP, & Lizanne Mulligan PhD Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities (LEND) Program The Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics - Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center The University of Cincinnati University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities C ONCLUSIONS AND L IMITATIONS Results indicated that participants found both the training and survey to be useful and helpful, thus it is our goal to continue to improve both aspects of this project in an effort to reach more individuals with DD and empower them to vote. In the future, we hope to be able to also conduct focus group discussions to obtain more helpful data on the effectiveness of the training as the present data may be affected by the ability level of respondents. Additionally, to increase the effectiveness of the training and reliability of survey responses, it is suggested that future trainings and surveys should be conducted two weeks before and after an election period. In summation, it is clear that the eSlate is a useful piece of assistive technology, however more research needs to be conducted on the need for and effectiveness of eSlate trainings in the future.