For 22 months, we have been beating the drum in support of Senator Obama on the basis of great policies, great plans, great speeches, great video messages, great inclusion, great representation and simply greatness, particularly when it comes to Americans with disabilities. We have said he has the best plans for Americans with disabilities in the history of this country. We have talked about his personal connections to this community through Michelle and through Mike Strautmanis. We have seen his understanding on full display in campaign visits across this country from Nevada to South Carolina.And now, he is closing the loop.And, therefore, it's time for us to close the deal for him!We have voiced our desire that Americans with disabilities be included and fully integrated along side the rest of Americans. Because we don't want special treatment, we want full access to what everyone else has.
Senator Obama, like so many other times during this journey, has listened, heard and responded like only he can. We knew he was the candidate of choice all along, and he simply has solidified that for all Americans with disabilities.In at least five recent speeches where he has delivered his Closing Argument to America from Canton, Ohio to Norfolk, Virginia to Raleigh, North Carolina to Kissimmee and Sarasota, Florida, Senator Obama has fully included Americans with disabilities in the fabric of America where he knows and you know we belong.View these clips with pride that you represent the best candidate in American history for our community. And, for those who haven't decided to vote for Senator Obama yet, let this be the deciding factor:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7P6nICQk4wM
I want to specially acknowledge Morton Ann Gernsbacher and her son who are the persons who within a few hours pulled these clips together, captioned them and even inserted some great background music for your listening pleasure. She is fantastic and has exhibited the kind of dedication and volunteer efforts to this campaign that so many of you also have exhibited and that hopefully will make Senator Obama the next President of the United States of America!
Over the last five weeks, I have focused on specific issues of how Senator Obama is the best candidate to improve the lives of Americans with disabilities. Now that we have one week to go, I want to summarize the key differences between Senators Obama and McCain. This summary leaves no doubt that if you want a President who will change lives and empower Americans with disabilities, you need to vote to make Barack Obama your next President.
There has been a lot of discussion about personal connections to the disability community. I wanted to make sure you knew that Barack Obama has multiple personal connections to our community, which will help guide his policies and plans to improve the lives of all Americans with disabilities.Accordingly, I am posting the following op-ed written by Mike Strautmanis, a long-time close personal friend of Barack and Michelle as well as the former Chief Counsel in Barack’s Senate office. Mike has a son who is on the autism spectrum. I think this op-ed will help crystallize that Barack Obama is the candidate for all Americans with disabilities, not only because he has a detailed four-part Plan to Empower Americans with Disabilities, but also because he understands the barriers that need to be broken down to level the playing field for people in our community and is personally committed to the government breaking down those barriers.
Op-ed by Mike Strautmanis, Congressional Affairs for Obama for America from Washington D.C., former Chief Counsel to Barack Obama’s Senate office My son Jori has a disability. He is on the Autism Spectrum. Jori is a daily gift to our family, but we face challenges. Fortunately, Jori has a friend named Barack Obama. Literally. Barack has watched Jori grow up. He stands by Jori, his mother, and me as we struggle with the barriers society places in the way of people with disabilities. Every American with a disability, or who has a loved one with a disability, should be fortunate enough to have a friend --- or even a President --- like Barack Obama.I want our country to provide support to families like mine --- the families who face the practical, financial, and emotional challenges of a loved one with a disability. Jori has taught Barack about these challenges. These days, I work on the Obama-Biden campaign after serving on Barack’s Senate staff as his Chief Counsel since he arrived in Washington. But long before that, Barack and I were friends. He and Michelle have been a big part of our family’s life and a great help to my wife and me. To them, Jori is not a statistic; he’s a kid they see around town or at the office. They see how our family, which has more advantages than many, struggles to help Jori to get the care he needs, which is sometimes more than a loving family can provide, and the education he deserves, but few public schools have the resources to deliver.When Barack gives a friendly hello to Jori, he shows his kindness; when he accommodates my schedule to enable me to be a fully engaged parent, he shows that he understands what families like ours go through. He understands that as a leader, he has an obligation to help us to keep all of America’s promises to our loved ones and give us the tools we need as parents to ensure that our children won’t be shortchanged.As President, Barack will begin by creating a new White House post: Assistant to the President for Disability Policy. He will press Congress to pass the CLASS Act and the Community Choice Act to help Americans with disabilities to choose to live independently in the community and to help them pay for the direct care workers, assistive technology and other tools that make independent, community-based living possible. For our children, Barack will continue his fight for full funding of IDEA so that students with disabilities are assured of a free appropriate public education. Barack agrees that funding IDEA at less than half its authorized level is a disgrace, but he also understands that merely wringing more money out of Congress is not enough. His Secretary of Education will fully implement and enforce IDEA. Local school districts’ foot-dragging and resistance to IDEA, denying teachers what they need to serve kids with disabilities in the most inclusive possible setting, will no longer be tolerated.It’s easy for me to say that my friend Barack will do these things, but this isn’t just friendship talking. I know he will do the right thing, for two reasons. First, there is his record: As an Illinois state senator Barack Obama sponsored legislation that created an autism spectrum diagnosis program, designed to implement evidence-based best practices. Barack worked with Illinois families to build the Easter Seals academic programs that prepare students for independent living. Moreover, Barack helped pass Illinois’ mental health parity law as a State Senator. Barack understands that we need universal screening, education and early intervention strategies for all children, but especially children with disabilities. That’s why he intends to provide $10 billion per year in funding for developmental programs serving children between birth and age five. Barack has long supported the Family and Medical Leave Act; as President, he will expand it and help the states create paid leave systems to ease the tough choices that are faced every day by working families providing support to a disabled member.But there is a second reason that I have faith that a President Obama will fight for people with disabilities, and one that I find more compelling: I have seen Barack Obama with my son and other people with disabilities. I have seen how he puts his arm on Jori’s shoulder, how he smiles at Jori and speaks to him as the person that he is. I see his understanding that Jori and every other American with a disability is a fellow child of God with potential worth developing and dignity worth protecting. I see this and I know that Barack understands why I would do anything to secure real opportunity for that precious child, why any parent in my place would do the same. I see that Barack Obama comprehends all of that, and he wants to help us get there. And I know that if we can help Barack Obama to get to the White House, he will do more than any President ever has done to help those of us who love and care for loved ones with disabilities to achieve everything they can achieve. I know this man. So does Jori. And he gives us hope.
As we head toward election day, I want to focus on specific issues of how Senator Obama is the best candidate to improve the lives of Americans with disabilities. For the last two weeks, I will post my comparison of the week.This week, I am focusing on health care.SUMMARY POINTS
FACTUAL OBAMA-MCCAIN COMPARISON ON HEALTH CARE:OBAMA ON HEALTH CARE FOR AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES Obama will sign universal health care into law by the end of his first term in office, and he has supported expanding the State Children's Health Insurance Program (“SCHIP”) and health care programs for people with disabilities, children, and veterans. Under Obama’s plan to provide universal health insurance, insurance companies will not be able to stop individuals from getting coverage even if they have pre-existing conditions and disabilities. Obama’s plan allows individuals and businesses to purchase public or private health coverage through a national health insurance exchange. Obama’s plan would make health care more affordable and accessible to all Americans, particularly individuals who have been denied coverage in the private market due to a pre-existing condition or disability. [Obama Plan to Empower Individuals with Disabilities] Obama is a co-sponsor of ending the Medicare Waiting Period Act of 2007 (S.2102). Before they can get Medicare coverage, people with disabilities must first receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months. Due to the 24-month Medicare waiting period, an estimated 400,000 Americans with disabilities are uninsured and many more are underinsured at a time in their lives when they need health coverage the most. During this waiting period, many individuals develop secondary conditions, their health status worsens and many die. Obama supports legislation that would phase out this harmful waiting period and provide individuals with health insurance. [S.2102, 110th Congress] Obama supported expanded health insurance for children. In 2007, Obama voted to reauthorize the SCHIP at over $60 billion for five years. Two children who live with a single parent who makes $51,510 would have access to health insurance coverage under SCHIP. The bill would provide $100 million in new grants to fund state outreach and enrollment efforts and allocate $49 million for a demonstration project to streamline the enrollment process for low-income children already eligible for coverage. [HR 976, Senate Vote #307, 8/2/07] Obama supported assuring accessible health care to people with disabilities by co-sponsoring the Promoting Wellness for Individuals with Disabilities Act (S.1050) The bill would require the U.S. Access Board to establish access standards for all diagnostic equipment (examination tables, x-ray, mammography and other radiological equipment, etc.). It also educates physicians and dentists by requiring that medical schools, dental schools, and their residency programs provide training to improve competency and clinical skills in providing care to patients with disabilities (including those with intellectual disabilities) as a condition of receiving federal funds. Finally, it establishes a national wellness grant program which will authorize funding for programs or activities for smoking cessation, weight control, nutrition or fitness that are tailored to the needs of individuals with disabilities and authorize funding for preventive health screening programs for individuals with disabilities to reduce the incidence of secondary conditions. [S.1050, 110th Congress] Obama supported expanding health care for veterans.In 2005, Obama voted for providing an additional $500 million per year for the next five years for mental health services for veterans. [S.2020, Senate Vote #343, 11/17/05]In 2006, Obama voted in favor of adding $430 million for outpatient and inpatient health care and treatment for veterans. Nearly half of the military servicemen and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan will require health care services for the physical and psychological traumas of war, yet the Bush administration and Republican-led Congress have underfunded the Veterans Administration’s medical services by at least $1.2 billion for 2007 alone. And, this was the second consecutive year they had done so. [H.R.4939, Senate Vote #98, 4/26/06; The Independent Budget, A Budget for Veterans by Veterans, 2/10/06; Newsweek, 1/19/06] Obama voted to grant access to Medicaid for Hurricane Katrina victims for up to five months. The bill would have provided full federal funding for Medicaid in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama for up to one year and provided $800 million to help people who were caring for Katrina evacuees. [S.1932, Senate Vote #285, 11/3/05] Obama voted for $2 million for research of traumatic brain injuries to improve imaging for traumatic brain injury testing and adapting current technologies to treat brain injuries suffered in war. [H.R.5631, S. Amdt. 4781, Senate Vote #222, 8/2/06; CQ, 8/2/06] MCCAIN ON HEALTH CARE FOR AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES McCain’s health care plan does not prohibit discrimination against individuals with pre-existing conditions and disabilities. McCain’s healthcare plan would replace the existing tax exclusion for employer-sponsored health coverage with a refundable tax credit for all Americans as an incentive to purchase health insurance. However, many individuals with disabilities are denied coverage or unable to afford coverage in the private market due to pre-existing conditions and disabilities. While McCain’s plan would work with states to develop best practice models in expanding coverage to individuals who have been denied coverage, it would not prohibit discrimination. [Washington Post, 4/30/08] McCain opposed reauthorizing SCHIP and providing insurance for millions of uninsured children. According to Knight Ridder, “The [2007] Senate proposal would provide coverage to 3.2 million” uninsured children and renew coverage for the 6 million children already covered by the program. The legislation passed 68-31. [H.R. 976, Vote #307, 8/2/07; Knight Ridder, 8/2/07] McCain voted against $2 million of funding for research of traumatic brain injuries. McCain rejected legislation that would help improve imaging for traumatic brain injury testing and adapting current technologies to treat brain injuries suffered in war. [H.R.5631, S. Amdt. 4781, Senate Vote #222, 8/2/06; CQ, 8/2/06] McCain opposed expanding health care for veterans.In 2005, McCain voted against providing an additional $500 million per year for the next five years for mental health services for veterans. [S.2020, Senate Vote #343, 11/17/05]In 2006, McCain was one of 13 senators who voted against adding $430 million for outpatient and inpatient health care and treatment for veterans. Amendment passed 84-16. [H.R.4939, Vote #98, 4/26/06] McCain voted against granting access to Medicaid for Hurricane Katrina victims for up to five months. The Bill would have provided full federal funding for Medicaid in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama for up to one year and provided $800 million to help people who were caring for Katrina evacuees. [S.1932, Senate Vote #285, 11/3/05] McCain has not co-sponsored the Promoting Wellness for Individuals with Disabilities Act (S.1050)
Here is a statement by Jennifer in Connecticut explaining why she supports Barack Obama for President:
I have represented children with disabilities for over 12 years now, having followed in the footsteps of my late father who did so for many years before me. I couldn't be more convinced that the interests of these children will not only be protected, but even expanded, with Barack Obama as our President. His vision, heart, and policies are in the right place on special education, and our children and our country can not afford another administration that talks about our most vulnerable children, but does little to actually help them. As we near the Presidential election in just three weeks, I have been asked by many to comment on my thoughts on Gov. Palin and what she can and will do for special education students. As an attorney whose practice focuses exclusively on the representation of children with disabilities, I always investigate candidates' positions and records on this very critical moral and financial issue. One of my clients recently suggested that I share with others what I have learned, so here it is. When Gov. Palin first came to my attention, I was, as I am sure were all of you who care about this issue, intrigued to have someone on the national platform who talks about children with special needs. Since hearing her say this repeatedly in speeches, I have been waiting, and waiting, to hear some specifics on special education reform. Most of all, I want to know what her stance is on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the federal statute that governs special education. The IDEA is up for reauthorization by Congress in 2010, and it is crucial that it reflect the policies and funding structure necessary to protect and appropriately educate our children with disabilities. I need to know what Gov. Palin thinks about the future of special education legislation in this country. I know where the other three on the tickets stand; Senators Obama and Biden have issued position statements on the IDEA to various parent groups, strongly supporting full funding for the IDEA and the rights of children with disabilities and their parents. The Obama-Biden website has a direct link to the ticket's position on disabilities. Senator McCain's website does not have such a link and neither he nor Palin have provided those positions on the IDEA to parent advocacy groups. Senator McCain has published a supportive position on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). I was, however, extremely disappointed in his discussion on the Senate floor regarding the reauthorization of the IDEA 2004, in which he expressed his opinion that parents of children with disabilities who have to sue to secure appropriate services for their children under the statute shouldn't have their attorneys' fees covered when they win. This is not just a matter of self-interest for me; it is the difference between families, especially poor families, being able to vindicate their civil rights or not. But I knew those things, I did not know where Palin stood, and I wanted to find out.Having waited for some specifics from her on just how she is going to be an advocate for children with special needs in the White House, I finally got close. In her recent interview with Greta Van Susteren on Fox News, she was asked what her position is. While never mentioning the IDEA at all or what needs to be changed, kept, or fixed in it, she stated that the issue that needs to be addressed is "equal access" for children with special needs. EQUAL ACCESS? Seriously? We HAVE equal access; that is what the original version of the statute fought for in the early 70s, when children with disabilities were literally prohibited from attending our public schools. Equal access is so far in the minority of what needs to be addressed in special education I hardly know where to begin. Our problems are not that children with disabilities aren't allowed into the buildings; our problem is what happens when they get there! What about a free and appropriate public education? What about "meaningful educational benefit"? What about giving children with special needs the tools to thrive and prosper and be fully independent adults, which is what the IDEA stands for? We are decades from equal access being the key question, and apparently Gov. Palin is not aware of that fact. Now, you might say, "Well, Jen, I am a parent of a child with special needs and I didn't know that either." Okay, my response: "Are you running for Vice President of the United States? Are you telling the nation that you would see yourself as the voice for those children within the federal government? If you were, do you think you might have looked into it a little bit?" It is not terribly surprising to me that Gov. Palin's views on this are so far outdated. We need major fixes in our special education system, and if you think that who is in the White House does not affect you on this issue, you couldn't be more wrong. IT MATTERS. It matters in terms of funding and at least as, if not more, importantly, enforcement. It also matters because the next President will have at least a few Supreme Court appointments to make. We have had more decisions from the United States Supreme Court in the area of special education law in the last few years than we had for decades. Those decisions have tremendous impact on whether parents have the right to have proper evaluations done for their children, how and when parents can exercise their rights under the IDEA, who has the burden of proof in due process hearings, and a myriad of other issues which directly impact our children with special needs. Whether we properly educate and embrace our children with disabilities is crucial to the future of this country, as the cost of NOT doing so will be far larger than the cost of doing so...leaving out the fact that it happens to also be the right thing to do in a great society. This issue should be front and center for any candidate for the White House, and I write to let you know that, at least as far as Gov. Palin is concerned, it has been an opportunity not only missed, but frighteningly misunderstood. It does not bode well for her, for us, or most importantly, for the children we love who need and deserve better in an "advocate in the White House". I will be casting my vote on November 4th for Obama-Biden, and I hope you will join me. They and their party have been on the side of children with special needs historically, and they will be on their side in the future. As our economy implodes and state and local educational budgets tighten, if we do not turn this around now, I fear that we will, once again, be fighting only for "equal access" for our kids. That is unacceptable to me.
Doug Rogers, Deputy Disability Vote Director for Obama for America, recently spoke at a Candidates’ Forum in Ohio on October 12-13. He filed this amazing report:
October 12: Athens, OhioI appeared at a Disability Forum in Athens, Ohio before around 30 individuals. McCain did not send a representative, but Donna M. Jones, National Coordinator, Americans with Disabilities for McCain Coalition, sent an e-mail to Margaret Demko, one of the organizers for the event, explaining why the McCain campaign did not send a representative. Her e-mail, which was read to the entire gathering and made public, stated, among other things:"[T]he McCain Campaign does not have a vetted disability policy to release at this time. I also do not have any further information on when we might be releasing a platform discussing the Senator's stance on issues that relate to people with disabilities. I understand that in this contentious political season, the needs of people with disabilities must be addressed as part of the policy conversation. It is my hope that we will be able to release a vetted policy from Senator McCain in the near future. That being said, I will not be able to send a surrogate to discuss a policy Senator McCain has not approved."This statement by the McCain campaign reflects one important reason I support Senator Obama. Over a year ago in 2007, Senator Obama released his comprehensive Plan to Empower Americans with Disabilities. And, over a year later, Senator McCain still has not set forth any plan for Americans with disabilities. We are 23 days from electing the next President who will have a significant impact on Americans with disabilities in terms of health care, employment, education, independent living and many other important supports and services. I want a President who took the time to care enough and recognized the importance of setting forth detailed policies for our community of steps the federal government should take to empower Americans with disabilities. I do not want a President who 23 days before the election still has not released a plan for the disability community.Their respective records are consistent with the Obama Plan and the McCain lack of plan. Senator Obama voted to extend the SCHIP program to provide health insurance to millions of currently uninsured children, many with disabilities, whereas Senator McCain voted against extending the SCHIP program. Senator Obama voted for full funding for IDEA, whereas Senator McCain has voted against full funding at least three times. Senator Obama is a co-sponsor of the Community Choice Act, whereas Senator McCain opposes the Community Choice Act.
Following is a statement by Gary in the San Francisco Bay Area explaining why he supports Barack Obama for President:
I'm not voting for Barack Obama because he has disability policy right - which he does. I'm voting for him because I consider him, far and away, to be the best candidate.My disability - paraplegia from a spinal cord injury 35 years post - is only a piece of who I am as a man and as a voter. A candidate who got everything right but my disability would still get my vote - albeit with regret. It would have been painful to vote for him otherwise, given that I find his positions on foreign policy, economics, energy, education, and social issues to be spot on. Thank goodness he nailed the disability agenda, too. I'm hard pressed to imagine a leader with the broad, progressive view of Obama NOT getting the disability agenda right. His world view is exactly about seeking a clear, objective perspective on the future and its potential, about looking at the future from the truth of the present rather than the ingrained beliefs of the past. That point of view, I believe, inevitably leads to the new and emerging truth of who people with disabilities truly are and what we have to contribute to a modern world. It inevitably points to our immense, untapped potential. And it inevitably points to our ability to meet the needs of those who truly require support. This progressive future uses our resources wisely rather than wasting them on the unnecessary "care" of people who can contribute plenty once the artificial obstacles are removed and they get the resources that open up their possibilities. Obama's campaign — and the number of leaders in the disability community who have worked on his behalf — proves that our agenda is inescapably connected to the true new world priorities we see in Obama's promise. Investment in independence, employment, access, technology, and health for people with disabilities is not only the ETHICALLY right thing to do; it’s FISCALLY responsible too.
Following is a statement from Mark in Los Angeles on why he supports Barack Obama for President:
As an American with a disability, I am voting for Barack Obama. I have many reasons why I am choosing Senator Obama over Senator McCain, but one in particular is Obama's plan to increase the employment rate of workers with disabilities. One striking statistic that does not receive enough attention in today's world is the unemployment rate of people with disabilities. The numbers are striking--1 in 6 Americans have a disability. These people with disabilities have an employment rate 40 points below that of working-age individuals without disabilities. Senator Obama has a comprehensive plan backed up by many important policy positions that will lower the unemployment rate of disabled Americans. As with most employment, it all starts with education. Senator Obama is a strong proponent of funding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This act is a necessary step in educating children with disabilities, but underfunding has kept the program from being a success. Senator Obama will increase funding for IDEA, which will have dramatic effects in educating children with disabilities. Next, Senator Obama has a comprehensive plan to make more post-high school educational opportunities available to high school graduates with disabilities. He has proposed a tax credit that will ensure that the first $4000 of a college education is completely free for most Americans. This tax credit would have a profound impact on individuals with disabilities who want to attend college, but cannot due to the extraordinary cost. In addition to the tax credit, Senator Obama has a plan to make community college more productive for individuals with disabilities who transfer to universities. This will encourage individuals with disabilities to go on to higher education after attending community college. Once an individual with a disability has the requisite training, Senator Obama has a plan to ensure that the individual can find employment. This begins by knocking down the barriers that prevent individuals with disabilities from gaining employment. Senator Obama has proposed many solutions that will effectively lower the unemployment rate among disabled Americans. Senator Obama will increase executive branch hiring of workers with disabilities. This will be done by continuing the progressive policies of President Clinton that enabled many Americans with disabilities to gain employment. Senator Obama will encourage private-sector employers to use existing tax benefits to hire more workers with disabilities. Since the tax code already contains provisions designed to encourage employers to hire employees with disabilities, Senator Obama will encourage employers to take advantage of these already existing tax provisions. Finally, Senator Obama has plans to ensure that Americans with disabilities stay employed. Many disabled Americans need flexibility from their employers and Senator Obama understands that. He has proposed expanding the Family and Medical Leave Act, encouraging states to adopt paid leave time, and will mandate a reasonable amount of paid sick leave. While these are only a handful of the policies Senator Obama has proposed to increase the employment rate of disabled Americans, all of these policies will undoubtedly lower the unemployment rate of disabled Americans. It's time for Americans with disabilities to have an advocate and a friend in the White House. Judging by the policies he has proposed, Senator Obama will be exactly that.
As we head toward Election Day, I want to focus on specific issues of how Senator Obama is the best candidate to improve the lives of Americans with disabilities. For the remaining 3 weeks, I will post my comparison of the week.
This week, I am focusing on employment. October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Senator Obama’s policies and plans are unmatched to improve the dismal employment statistics for Americans with disabilities. In contrast, Senator McCain has set forth no specific policies and plans related to specifically addressing increasing employment for Americans with disabilities.
SUMMARY POINTS
October 2, 2008 Dear Americans with Disabilities, It's a pleasure for me to join you in celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Americans with disabilities are an essential and underutilized part of our workforce. As President, I will work hard to help you achieve full equality – in the workplace, in education, and in all aspects of life. I don’t have to tell you the dismal statistics – an employment rate 40 points below that of working-age individuals without disabilities and a federal failure to meet the disability employment targets of Executive Order 13173. This must change – and I know that it can. Because I know that we can change it. One of the most important measures of any society is how well it enables each person to live up to his or her potential. Fairness is important, but providing you with the supports and services so you can succeed goes beyond that – it goes to the heart of our nation’s future. Because in an era of intense global competition, we can’t afford not to put everyone to work. You shouldn't be locked out of the workplace. Children with disabilities shouldn't be languishing in failing schools that doom them to a life of second class citizenship. Your talents and energies must not go to waste. America faces great challenges right now and we won’t meet them without the help of everyone who can work. It’s that simple. That’s why it is long past time for us to break down the barriers that still exclude people with disabilities in this country and deprive you of true equality of opportunity and independence. One of the first places we need change is in the workplace, and the federal government should take the lead. That’s why my administration will be a model for other employers in hiring and accommodating employees with disabilities. Before leaving office, President Clinton issued Executive Order No. 13173, which mandated hiring an additional 100,000 federal employees with disabilities within five years. Eight years later, this goal still hasn’t been reached. I will reinstate this executive order early in my term as President and designate a senior White House official to assure that all federal departments and agencies do their part to help meet this goal. I will also vigorously enforce the Rehabilitation Act, including Section 503 requiring the federal government and employers who are federal contractors to "take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities." In addition, I will launch an aggressive effort to educate employers about tax benefits designed to encourage them to hire employees with disabilities, such as the Disabled Access Tax Credit, the Tax Deduction for Architectural and Transportation Barrier Removal, and the Work Opportunity Tax Credit. They are underused and our employers can’t afford to miss out on these benefits any longer. These actions will help many adults with disabilities increase their contributions to our society, and I believe we must do even more for the next generation. That’s why I will fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and ensure that it is effectively implemented and enforced. This is a pivotal election, and it’s our time for change. I hope you’ll get involved, because I can’t do this alone. I need everyone to contact their friends and family to make sure they know about the issues and where the candidates stand. I need everyone who can to make phone calls and knock on doors to get the word out. Together, we can win this election. Together, we can achieve full equality for Americans with disabilities. Together, we can create the changes we seek. Sincerely,Barack Obama
October 2, 2008 Dear Americans with Disabilities, It's a pleasure for me to join you in celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Americans with disabilities are an essential and underutilized part of our workforce. As President, I will work hard to help you achieve full equality – in the workplace, in education, and in all aspects of life. I don’t have to tell you the dismal statistics – an employment rate 40 points below that of working-age individuals without disabilities and a federal failure to meet the disability employment targets of Executive Order 13173. This must change – and I know that it can. Because I know that we can change it. One of the most important measures of any society is how well it enables each person to live up to his or her potential. Fairness is important, but providing you with the supports and services so you can succeed goes beyond that – it goes to the heart of our nation’s future. Because in an era of intense global competition, we can’t afford not to put everyone to work. You shouldn't be locked out of the workplace. Children with disabilities shouldn't be languishing in failing schools that doom them to a life of second class citizenship. Your talents and energies must not go to waste. America faces great challenges right now and we won’t meet them without the help of everyone who can work. It’s that simple. That’s why it is long past time for us to break down the barriers that still exclude people with disabilities in this country and deprive you of true equality of opportunity and independence. One of the first places we need change is in the workplace, and the federal government should take the lead. That’s why my administration will be a model for other employers in hiring and accommodating employees with disabilities. Before leaving office, President Clinton issued Executive Order No. 13173, which mandated hiring an additional 100,000 federal employees with disabilities within five years. Eight years later, this goal still hasn’t been reached. I will reinstate this executive order early in my term as President and designate a senior White House official to assure that all federal departments and agencies do their part to help meet this goal. I will also vigorously enforce the Rehabilitation Act, including Section 503 requiring the federal government and employers who are federal contractors to "take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities." In addition, I will launch an aggressive effort to educate employers about tax benefits designed to encourage them to hire employees with disabilities, such as the Disabled Access Tax Credit, the Tax Deduction for Architectural and Transportation Barrier Removal, and the Work Opportunity Tax Credit. They are underused and our employers can’t afford to miss out on these benefits any longer. These actions will help many adults with disabilities increase their contributions to our society, and I believe we must do even more for the next generation. That’s why I will fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and ensure that it is effectively implemented and enforced. This is a pivotal election, and it’s our time for change. I hope you’ll get involved, because I can’t do this alone. I need everyone to contact their friends and family to make sure they know about the issues and where the candidates stand. I need everyone who can to make phone calls and knock on doors to get the word out. Together, we can win this election. Together, we can achieve full equality for Americans with disabilities. Together, we can create the changes we seek. Sincerely,
Barack Obama
As we head toward Election Day, I want to focus on specific issues of how Senator Obama is the best candidate to improve the lives of Americans with disabilities. For the remaining four weeks, I will post my comparison of the week. This week, I am focusing on education.SUMMARY POINTS:
http://obama.senate.gov/press/081003-obama_applauds_7/
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE; Friday, October 3, 2008CONTACT: Michael Ortiz, 202 228 5566
Obama Applauds Congress' Passage of the Mental Health Parity Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Barack Obama today released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the emergency economic recovery package, which included the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act:
I applaud Congress' passage of this important, bipartisan legislation, which will require health insurance companies to provide equal coverage for both mental and physical health conditions. It also expands coverage parity to include co-payments, deductibles, coinsurance, covered-hospital days, out patient visits and out of pocket expenses.It is long past time that we ensure Americans with mental health disabilities have access to the support and treatment they need. I commend Chairman Kennedy, Senators Domenici and Enzi, and Congressmen Kennedy and Ramstad for their longtime leadership on behalf of those Americans with mental health disabilities. This legislation is truly a tribute to Senator Wellstone's legacy.
I applaud Congress' passage of this important, bipartisan legislation, which will require health insurance companies to provide equal coverage for both mental and physical health conditions. It also expands coverage parity to include co-payments, deductibles, coinsurance, covered-hospital days, out patient visits and out of pocket expenses.
It is long past time that we ensure Americans with mental health disabilities have access to the support and treatment they need. I commend Chairman Kennedy, Senators Domenici and Enzi, and Congressmen Kennedy and Ramstad for their longtime leadership on behalf of those Americans with mental health disabilities. This legislation is truly a tribute to Senator Wellstone's legacy.
Becoming Advocates for Change…for work….for economic self-sufficiencyBarack Obama understands the plight Americans with disabilities face. He understands the trap that poverty holds and the need to create new paths to greater economic self-sufficiency for people with disabilities. He believes in the ability of Americans with disabilities to inform needed change and the importance of work to all Americans. For this reason and more, he is the man to lead change for our country. Our country is in desperate need of change. The number of individuals coming on to the disability rolls in the United States and the duration of their benefit periods have climbed dramatically over the last 20 years. Since 1980, the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program has experienced significant growth in the number of people receiving disability benefits. Similarly, the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit for Americans with disabilities has also experienced significant growth both in numbers and expenditures. The impact of existing work incentives on return-to-work efforts of both SSI recipients and SSDI beneficiaries does not paint a positive picture of a diverse American workforce that is representative of SSDI and SSI beneficiaries. This is the unfortunate state of our Social Security system—a system so entrenched in a medical model of disability that it fails to recognize the societal, environmental and policy impediments that pose the real obstacles to Americans with disabilities who want to work! It’s a system that holds to an archaic standard of disability that precludes work, and fails to recognize the inherent giftedness of all Americans to work at various levels as their abilities dictate. While we have seen tremendous expansion of new and innovative approaches in the way we prepare for, attach to and advance Americans with disabilities in work, and supported these efforts with federal laws, policies and court actions, the complexity of the myriad of public entitlements and their disability/eligibility standards continue to serve as a primary roadblock to work. Barack Obama’s Plan to Empower Americans with Disabilities is a plan whose time has come! It echoes the major themes and issues which advocates and policy makers have been demanding by way of change for the past eight years—that have not been responded to. Believing that Americans with disabilities who receive Social Security and other public entitlements want to work, can work and can become more economically self-sufficient is a guiding principle that will drive our cultural, social and political plans for change under Barrack’s Administration. We know that a guiding principle is not enough though. The Obama Administration, through its proposed National Commission on People with Disabilities, Employment and Social Security, will commit to continuing to examine and implement solutions to continued work disincentives across our disability programs and reintroduce the Ticket to Work Act to better provide SSDI and SSI beneficiaries with the demand-driven services and supports they need to transition into work. We each have a critical role to play in shaping the future of disability and social insurance policy over the next decade. Voices of beneficiaries, their families, and other stakeholders regarding their experiences with public entitlements and their efforts to work must be elevated and guide change…real change…inspired by Americans with disabilities for all Americans.
Following up on the disability policy comparison issue of the week, please review this posting by Marc in Florida:
Barack Obama supports independent, community-based living as an option for every American with a disability. But Medicaid pays for certain services only if those services are delivered in a nursing home or other institutional setting, as opposed to in-home care. This Medicaid funding bias essentially requires individuals to live in institutional settings to get the support services they need. People with disabilities or chronic conditions who rely on Medicaid should not have to choose between receiving the medical care they need and fulfilling their desire to live among family and friends.The Community Choice Act (CCA) will free over 2 million people with disabilities from nursing homes and other institutions by funding their personal preference for their place of living and care. This legislation gives people with disabilities a real choice by funding home-based assistance and supports. Ensuring freedom of choice is a fair, just policy that upholds the basic American value of independence.The Community Choice Act makes financial sense too. Institutional living involves overhead that in-home living and care do not. In-home care also avoids Medicaid long-term care payment for institutional services that have little to do with health or dignity. Furthermore, family members are generally more motivated to help a person with a chronic condition or disability make the most of every day. The basic reasons for supporting the Community Choice Act don’t require statistics or accountings, just common sense.Senator Barack Obama supports the Community Choice Act. He has stated: "[t]his legislation is vitally important to the independence, community integration, and equality of hundreds of thousands of Americans with disabilities.” It will help to empower them "to take full advantage of their talents" and "ensure that everyone can live independently as full citizens in their communities.” Senator Obama believes that the federal government should help states increase the supply of high-quality community-based settings for individuals with disabilities by providing additional grants for new and expanded live-in care arrangements.Senator Obama is not alone in wanting to end the Medicaid funding bias in favor of institutionalization and against home-based assistance. Many major disability rights organizations, healthcare professionals and caregivers support and endorse the CCA. These groups and professionals know that the CCA guarantees people with disabilities equal access to home and community-based services, giving them the choice to live as independently as possible.Barack Obama also co-sponsors CCA companion legislation like the Community Living Assistance, Services and Supports (CLASS) Act. The CLASS Act will create a voluntary, budget-neutral national insurance program to help individuals with functional needs get the necessary financial support required for independent living. Barack Obama also supports the Fostering of Independence Through Technology Act, which combines 21st century technology with direct health and hygiene assistance for safe, appropriate community-based care.Barack Obama knows that Americans with disabilities often rely on direct care workers. An Obama administration will address the shortage of direct care workers by increasing their shamefully low wages and seeing that they may receive pay for overtime work. An Obama administration will provide high quality, affordable health coverage to direct care professionals and to all Americans. These essential industry initiatives will make quality care equally available in both home and group settings.Despite all the evidence that makes clear that the Community Choice Act is the right legislative choice, Senator John McCain opposes it. At a Denver town hall meeting, John McCain said, “I don't think that it's the right kind of legislation.” Senator McCain has been clear about his opposition: “[t]he Community Choice Act is not a piece of legislation that I support.” [McCain Town Hall, 7/7/08] Among the several incorrect reasons he opposes CCA, at a presidential forum on disability issues, Senator McCain, without any facts to support him, incorrectly claimed that the CCA would cost too much. John McCain is wrong about the CCA, Barack Obama is right, and Americans with disabilities know it.The Community Choice Act does more than just provide dignity to people with disabilities and chronic conditions. The CCA is cost-effective legislation that cuts back on living expenses otherwise charged to Medicaid. Equally important, the CCA advances the values of all Americans by promoting equality and freedom of choice, the bedrock of our great nation. Senator Obama understands these important points, which is why he vigorously supports the Community Choice Act. And his support for the CCA is one of the many reasons that growing numbers of people with disabilities are voting for Barack Obama for President.
As we head toward Election Day, I want to focus on specific issues of how Senator Obama is the best candidate to improve the lives of Americans with disabilities. For the remaining 5 weeks, I will post my comparison of the week. This week, I am focusing on living independently in the community.
"Today the president signed much-needed legislation that reinstates the important protections of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA was a historic milestone when it was signed into law 18 years ago, but recent decisions by the Supreme Court severely restricted the scope of the Act. As a result, people with multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, diabetes, cancer, and other conditions could not enjoy the full protections of the law. That is unacceptable.
"Today, we correct that mistake. The ADA Amendments Act restores the original intent of Congress to protect the civil rights of all Americans with disabilities. But this entire process shows why we need judges who will honor the intent of the ADA and similar laws designed to protect the civil rights of all Americans.
"I was proud to co-sponsor the ADA Amendments Act and I want to commend Senator Tom Harkin and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer for their leadership on this issue. But we must not let this milestone be the end of our journey. There is still much to do to ensure that we fully protect those of us living with disabilities, and live up to our founding promise of equality and opportunity for all Americans."
Below is a statement from Adele in California on why she supports Barack Obama:
As goes the United States, so go people with disabilities, but much, much worse. Let’s face it, the disabled are the most vulnerable part of society. In the last eight years, the U.S. economy has sunk to depths that I never thought I’d have to deal with in my lifetime. I truly thought this kind of economic recession, where it’s reported that 1 in 10 Americans are in default on their mortgages, was a waking nightmare limited to my grandparents’ generation. Physically or mentally challenged people trail the nation in terms of income, healthcare, and general accessibility. Under President Bush’s watch, disabled people have become poorer, still can’t get insurance, and have seen many of the protections of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) go un-enforced.When I read the well-thought-out, detailed Plan to Empower Americans with Disabilities by Barack Obama, my heart fills with hope again for those of us with disabilities. Barack will enforce and expand the ADA. “Barack Obama believes the United States should lead the world in empowering people,” reads a quote from his text. As we stand now, America lags greatly behind the ADA’s aims when it comes to taking care of and insuring fairness for the disabled. Barack’s plan to empower people with disabilities will go a long way in correcting the income disparity. Access to buildings and other public places will be assured. It’s hard to work if you can’t get into the building. Healthcare will be provided to those of us with disabilities. The words “pre-existing condition” will no longer strike fear in the hearts of the disabled, and it will no longer be a means by which the healthcare corporations rake in record profits. This promise may not be a catchy sound bite, but it will improve life for those of us with physical or mental challenges. As a people, should we be judged on how we treat and care for the most vulnerable part of our society? Or as a nation are we going to act as if the extra steps it takes to improve the lives of the disabled are too much? I think of the people who moan and whine because they have to walk a little farther after a disabled person with a placard parked in the closest spot. I’d gladly trade my parking permit for not having to deal with cerebral palsy everyday.The first President Bush claimed to want to help the disabled through “compassionate conservatism”. Didn’t that sound nice? I know I was hopeful when the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) passed. But after all that fanfare and publicity, what really changed for us? The answer is nearly nothing. Now the Republican ticket is taking the stage again, reciting familiar lines about helping the disabled and being “a friend in the White House” to those with special needs. But their platform doesn’t support their contentions. McCain/Palin oppose the Community Choice Act and universal healthcare, two initiatives with profound implications for people with disabilities. Obama/Biden support them both.In addition to making roughly half the income per year as able-bodied people, people with disabilities are under or uninsured. If they’re wronged in a way that should be protected by the ADA, recourse in this country is slim to none. All of that would change with Barack Obama and Joe Biden in the White House. Their platform is empowering and inclusive of all people with disabilities.Americans with disabilities are exhausted from empty promises and stagnation of disability-friendly legislation. The retort that healthcare, research and quality of life programs for the disabled cost too much is contrary to our understanding and protection of equal rights. Inclusion and kindness never cost too much. That is why I’m voting Barack Obama for President.
As goes the United States, so go people with disabilities, but much, much worse. Let’s face it, the disabled are the most vulnerable part of society. In the last eight years, the U.S. economy has sunk to depths that I never thought I’d have to deal with in my lifetime. I truly thought this kind of economic recession, where it’s reported that 1 in 10 Americans are in default on their mortgages, was a waking nightmare limited to my grandparents’ generation. Physically or mentally challenged people trail the nation in terms of income, healthcare, and general accessibility. Under President Bush’s watch, disabled people have become poorer, still can’t get insurance, and have seen many of the protections of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) go un-enforced.
When I read the well-thought-out, detailed Plan to Empower Americans with Disabilities by Barack Obama, my heart fills with hope again for those of us with disabilities. Barack will enforce and expand the ADA. “Barack Obama believes the United States should lead the world in empowering people,” reads a quote from his text. As we stand now, America lags greatly behind the ADA’s aims when it comes to taking care of and insuring fairness for the disabled. Barack’s plan to empower people with disabilities will go a long way in correcting the income disparity. Access to buildings and other public places will be assured. It’s hard to work if you can’t get into the building. Healthcare will be provided to those of us with disabilities. The words “pre-existing condition” will no longer strike fear in the hearts of the disabled, and it will no longer be a means by which the healthcare corporations rake in record profits. This promise may not be a catchy sound bite, but it will improve life for those of us with physical or mental challenges.
As a people, should we be judged on how we treat and care for the most vulnerable part of our society? Or as a nation are we going to act as if the extra steps it takes to improve the lives of the disabled are too much? I think of the people who moan and whine because they have to walk a little farther after a disabled person with a placard parked in the closest spot. I’d gladly trade my parking permit for not having to deal with cerebral palsy everyday.
The first President Bush claimed to want to help the disabled through “compassionate conservatism”. Didn’t that sound nice? I know I was hopeful when the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) passed. But after all that fanfare and publicity, what really changed for us?
The answer is nearly nothing. Now the Republican ticket is taking the stage again, reciting familiar lines about helping the disabled and being “a friend in the White House” to those with special needs. But their platform doesn’t support their contentions. McCain/Palin oppose the Community Choice Act and universal healthcare, two initiatives with profound implications for people with disabilities. Obama/Biden support them both.
In addition to making roughly half the income per year as able-bodied people, people with disabilities are under or uninsured. If they’re wronged in a way that should be protected by the ADA, recourse in this country is slim to none. All of that would change with Barack Obama and Joe Biden in the White House. Their platform is empowering and inclusive of all people with disabilities.Americans with disabilities are exhausted from empty promises and stagnation of disability-friendly legislation. The retort that healthcare, research and quality of life programs for the disabled cost too much is contrary to our understanding and protection of equal rights. Inclusion and kindness never cost too much. That is why I’m voting Barack Obama for President.
Senator Obama has demonstrated his commitment to Americans with disabilities on a myriad of issues, including full support of the Community Choice Act, IDEA, the Mental Health Parity Act, just to name a few.
Notably, to date, Senator McCain still has not responded to that questionnaire about housing or anything else. Those and other responses by Barack Obama can be found by clicking here.
Because he understands these housing issues for Americans with disabilities, he has a history of fighting for housing for Americans with disabilities. For example, in the Illinois Senate, he was the chief co-sponsor of a bill to include persons with disabilities within the provisions granting an assessment freeze homestead exception to senior citizens.
Senator Obama has time and time again demonstrated his belief and commitment to improving the lives of all Americans and Americans with disabilities. The fact that he was the very first candidate, and the only person of the remaining candidates, to answer the questionnaire and squarely address the issues facing our community, including housing, leaves no doubt that if Americans with disabilities seek to have their lives changed and improved, Barack Obama is the only candidate for them.
Below is a statement from Carol in Chatsworth, California on why she supports Barack Obama:
I support Barack Obama because the time has come to stop talking about decent health care and to actually start giving Americans decent health care. Six years ago I was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis and psoriatic arthritis; both are autoimmune diseases. Pulmonary fibrosis is an incurable lung disease that causes scarring in the lungs. I am supporting Barack Obama because he is the only candidate who acknowledges that we are not doing enough for those with disabilities. There are medicines that my doctors have prescribed but which I cannot take because of the costs. When I was working, I did all the right things. I worked hard and earned a good living. Now I live on disability and I make too much to receive assistance but not enough to afford all my medicine. Because I am in the doughnut hole in Medicare right now, one of my medicines that cost me $8 last month, cost me $235 this month. I had to put it on a credit card. I know that pulmonary fibrosis or a complication thereof will eventually kill me and that's okay. I've already lived longer than anyone thought I would. But what about the people who come after me? No one should have to say to their pharmacist, "I'm sorry, I can't afford that medicine. Please put it back on the shelf." My doctor should have have to look for the cheapest medicine for me; he should only be looking for the medicine that might work best.These are only some of the reasons that I am supporting Barack Obama for President but they are the reasons that are most personal to me right now.
Following is a statement by Lara in Oakland, California on why she supports Barack Obama:
It is important that we have a president who represents ALL CITIZENS, regardless of race, color, creed, ethnicity, or ability. Barack Obama has demonstrated that he will be an advocate for not only those who look like him, or can move like him or see or hear like him, but for everyone. This is the kind of president we want.In recent years, the Bush administration has passed legislation limiting the effectiveness of the ADA, cutting the funding of the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission and Department of Labor Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs. These programs that protect employees from discrimination are essential to the well-being of many of our country's citizens, and the cuts that have been applied to them are a major step backwards in our attempt to ensure equality in the workplace. Obama has made disability rights a priority in his campaign. With his election, these programs would become fully funded again, and we will be able to set on our path once more toward full equality in the workplace. The full funding of these essential programs is a promise that John McCain has yet to make.As a person with epilepsy who also works with children, I have feared for my job on numerous occasions when I shouldn't have had to. My epilepsy is well-controlled with medication, but just to be on the safe side, I always wear a medical ID bracelet. Knowing the laws regarding epilepsy and employment, I have worried that if my boss were to question why I wore it, and I were to tell him/her, I would have the potential to lose my job, even though I have been seizure-free. Some of my other fellow people with epilepsy have shared the same fear. We should not have to feel that.A vote for Obama is most definitely a vote for disability rights. He is good for the country in many, many ways, but it has been made clear that he stands aside from McCain as a tireless advocate for equality.
