Historic Presidential Forum on Disability Issues a Huge Success
The American Association for People with Disabilities (AAPD) hosted the historic National Forum on Disability Issues in Columbus, Ohio on July 26 - the 18th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The forum, co-sponsored by United Cerebral Pasy and other disability organizations, was a huge success, with more than 500 people attending live, and many more viewing via web cast, which was sponsored by Disaboom.
Attendees learned about the presidential candidates’ positions on disability policy and how both parties would support people with disabilities if elected. Topics such as Community Living, Health Care and Employment were highlighted throughout the forum.
Jon Husted, Ohio Speaker of the House, Tim Harrington of the Ability Center of Greater Toledo, and Andrew Imparato from AAPD kicked off the forum with welcoming remarks. As a state legislator, Jon Husted recommended that Americans with disabilities should concentrate on the issues at the state level, as that is where most federal policies are implemented.
Robert David Hall, an actor from the popular television show, CSI: Las Vegas, spoke about his experience as a “real” disabled actor. He spoke about the challenges he faced finding suitable roles that did not stereotype people with disabilities. Hall is the Chairman for Perfomers with Disabilities as well as an activist focused on creating opportunities for people with disabilities.
Broadcast journalist Judy Woodruff, the forum moderator, opened the forum with a panel discussion in which members presented their views on what is at stake for people with disabilities. Panel members included John Hannah, Vice President of the Arc of Ohio; Rebecca Hare, Project Coordinator for the National Consortium on Leadership and Disability for Youth; and Cynthia Owens, Family Issues, Medicaid, Transition, and Employment Specialist of the Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities.
Following the panel, Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), Senator Barack Obama’s proxy, and Senator John McCain, had the opportunity to speak about disability issues they feel strongly about. Senator Harkin mentioned disability has had a profound effect on Senator Obama’s family and his own; Michelle Obama’s father has Multiple Sclerosis and Senator Harkin’s brother is deaf.
Harkin emphasized that he is a proud supporter and currently the Chief Sponsor of the Community Choice Act (CCA), which would allow people eligible for Medicaid funded assisted living to choose to live at home or in non-familial residential homes with attendant services. Senator Obama was one of the bill’s first co-sponsors.
“If you’re on SSI, lets face it, this is really not a living wage. I mean you’re barely getting by the poverty line if you’re on SSI…we ought to have some rules that say okay, if you want, you can earn two, three or four times the poverty wage and not lose your SSI,” said Senator Harkin.
Senator Harkin discussed several issues of interest to the disability community:
-The Community Choice Act enables independence among people with disabilities, thus providing them dignity and self worth. Institutional bias exists within Medicaid in terms of how the families of people with disabilities are denied the flexibility of caring for their loved ones.
- Senator Harkin and Senator Obama support the ADA Amendments Act (formerly ADA Restoration Act), and believe this bill will define disability in broader terms, which will better protect people with disabilities.
- There is a lack of accessible housing, and he recommends that federal housing and mortgage assistance programs should include accessibility requirements.
- People with disabilities have achieved many strides since the enactment of the ADA, though 60% of people with disabilities are still unemployed, an issue that needs to be taken very seriously.
Senator John McCain joined the forum via satellite from Cottonwood, Arizona. Senator McCain has faced many challenges as a naval officer, and a prisoner of war. His wife, Cindy, is a former Special Education Teacher. Senator McCain was the principle author of Title IV, which covers ADA Access, and he has lead the efforts to improve services and care for disabled veterans.
At the forum, Senator McCain announced his support of the ADA Amendments Act.
“We must clarify the definition of a disability to assure full protection for those the law is intended to serve,” said Senator McCain. Senator McCain spoke of the many positive changes that have occurred since the signing of the ADA 18 years ago, including improved Medicare, better education and employment.
He also suggested that in order to help the Veteran Administration, as President, he would focus more energy in providing specialized care, and veterans would receive a health insurance card, allowing them to get treatment from any doctor. The important thing, he mentioned, is to discover which federal agencies are functioning or nonfunctioning, and to decrease wasteful spending.
Senator McCain mentioned that a main reason he does not support the Community Choice Act is its high cost.
“We were very pleased with the outcome[of today’s event], and very pleased with the participation of both candidates. We had great surrogates and McCain over Satellite. Both candidates did not receive the questions beforehand, so these were some honest answers.” said Rebecca Panoff, Communications Manager for AAPD, “The people we represent in the disability community, and their voices, were heard today.”
Life Without Limits Gala: Donate Auction Items Today!
Following the success of the 2008 Believable Hope Conference Auction, the time has come to request items for the 2008 Life Without Limits Gala. The Life Without Limits Gala is only 60 days away and now is the time to help contribute to our mission of advancing the independence, productivity, and full citizenship of people with disabilities. We hope to have all items in-house by August 11, 2008.
If you would like to get involved, are unaware of how to get involved or would like to purchase an item on our wish-list and donate it, please contact Emily Dolenz at (800) 872-5827 x7100.
Exploring Spasticity Showcases Talent While Offering Support
The 2009 Exploring Spasticity Calendar Contest is now open for entries! Creatively express your personal experience with spasticity. Written entries (750 words or less) can take the form of an essay, short story, or poem.
Visual forms of expression, such as drawings, painting, photography, and other media, are also welcome (maximum size is 18" X 24").
Please note that entries will not be returned.
Twelve winning entries will be published in the 2009 Exploring Spasticity calendar. If your entry is selected, you will also receive a $250 cash prize, and a contribution will be made in your name to the local chapter of your favorite Exploring Spasticity program partner.
You must be a registered member of Exploring Spasticity to be eligible (Sign Up). Entries must be postmarked no later than August 30, 2008. Visit http://www.exploringspasticity.com/ for more details, or to complete an online entry form.
Mailing address (if not completed online): Exploring Spasticity Medtronic, Inc. 710 Medtronic Parkway Minneapolis, MN 55432-5604
Exploring Spasticity, created and sponsored by Medtronic, Inc., is an educational program designed for people affected by spasticity. By becoming a member of the community, individuals can learn about spasticity, receive information tailored to specific conditions or find a local physician.
Beijing Bound Paralympic Athlete Getting Noticed
Tatyana McFadden, a wheelchair sprint racer from Maryland, is headed to Beijing for the Paralympics in September. McFadden, 19, will be featured on McDonald's beverage cups and in television commercials for Hilton Hotels Corp.
McFadden, who will be featured on 100 million cups in McDonald's establishments across the United States, is among a growing number of athletes with disabilities who are being sought out by corporate America for sponsorships.
Since her participation in the Paralympics in Athens four years ago, she has noticed an increase in sponsorship opportunities. "It's an eye-opener to the whole world," the Clarksville, MD resident said. "People will see us. People will get to see what the Paralympics are all about."
"These athletes truly inspire," said Rosenberg, Executive Vice President of GMR Marketing, a San Francisco firm that connected McFadden with Hilton Hotels. "They are the ones who are truly engaged in their sports and love of sports, and their support of the team. As a fan, these athletes are striving to support others. They provide that role-modeling."
In addition to Hilton and McDonald's, McFadden has sponsorships with Princeton Sports in Columbia, MD and Eagle Sportschairs, a Georgia-based manufacturer of wheelchairs for athletes, and through these relationships she hopes to raise the $60,000 associated with training and travel to the Beijing Paralympic Games.
McFadden's story is one that truly captivates the human spirit. Born in St. Petersburg, Russia, and diagnosed with spina bifida, McFadden spent her early years in a crowded orphanage. She lived in two small rooms and surgery was performed to ease her condition during infancy. The orphanage did not have enough money to pay for a wheelchair, so Tatyana walked on her hands, dragging her legs behind her.
Deborah McFadden, a commissioner for disabilities in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, was visiting Russia when she met Tatyana. Eventually, she adopted her, and not long after bringing her to the United States, got her involved in swimming.
From her start as a swimmer, Tatyana found her calling as an athlete. She participated in basketball and other sports in school. She encountered resistence in her attempt to join the track & field team at her high school, but in 2006, she successfully sued for the right to share the track with teammates.
Since then, she has advocated in front of the Maryland State Legislature for sports programs to provide access to students with disabilities and in April 2008, the General Assembly approved the bill.
"Tatyana's story is one of determination and leadership, and we are tremendously inspired by her athletic achievements, her efforts to advocate equal opportunities for athletes with disabilities, as well as her strong, loving bond with her adopted family," said Dianna Vaughan, vice president of marketing for Hilton Hotels.
Founded in 1948 to help people with cerebral palsy, today United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) is a pivotal advocate for the rights of all people with disabilities. As one of the largest health charities in America, UCP is dedicated to advancing the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities.
Camp Smile Wraps Up in Citronelle WKRG Mobile, AL 7/7/08 Margaret Anne Smith slips down a cool waterslide at camp smile. The water play may be fun, but something else has her attention this week.
McCain Vows to Back Changes to Disabilities Law Associated Press USA, 7/26/08 Republican presidential candidate John McCain is pledging support for a proposal to expand protections for disabled people under an 18-year-old landmark civil rights law.
Canadian Open already has one major champion The Globe and Mail Toronto, Canada 7/24/08 D.J. Gregory bent over to walk under the ropes and onto the grass as he made his way toward the seventh green yesterday morning during the first round of the RBC Canadian Open at the Glen Abbey Golf Club.
Triathlon a competing cause The Plain Dealer Cleveland, OH, 8/3/08 Fitness, competition and fun are the most popular reasons people take up triathlon. None, though, compares to Kristen Minnick's motivation.Unlike most people taking part in the Cleveland Triathlon today, Minnick, 37, of Broadview Heights, will be doing the three-part race for and with her 3-year-old daughter, Julia, who has cerebral palsy.
Nine stars to watch at Beijing 2008 Sunday Sun London, UK, 8/4/08 SPRINTER Stephen Payton is one of the most experienced members of Team GB’s athletics squad, and he can’t wait to get out on the track in Beijing. The 31-year-old, who has cerebral palsy, will be taking part in the 200m and 400m sprint events.
Ms. Wheelchair America fights bias in Houston, elsewhere Houston Chronicle Houston, TX, USA 8/3/08 Michelle Colvard, 32, was recently crowned Ms. Wheelchair America, a position that will have her touring the nation to challenge stereotypes about women with disabilities. She's also executive director of the mayor's office for people with disabilities in Houston. Chronicle reporter Jemimah Noonoo spoke with Colvard about her new title and her work with the city.
Disability 101 Summitt Daily News Summitt, CO,USA 8/5/08 One of the biggest areas of discrimination people with disabilities encounter is in employment. Readers with disabilities have been sharing their stories with me and I’ve discovered common themes.
White Wins Race, Gamblin Places Fourth Santa Rosa's Press Gazette Santa Rosa,CA,USA 8/5/08 When the caution flag flew, White saw his straightaway length lead disappear as the running order was Marty White, Scott McKinney, Brent Lane, Jamie Secola, Cynthia Schelmeta, and Bill Gamblin. “I really had a great time out there tonight,” said White. “This is always a fun race and a very competitive field. But the real winner tonight is United Cerebral Palsy, as well as the fans.”
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tional Forum on Disability Issues in Columbus, Ohio on July 26 - the 18th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The forum, co-sponsored by United Cerebral Pasy and other disability organizations, was a huge success, with more than 500 people attending live, and many more viewing via web cast, which was sponsored by Disaboom. 
