Organizing for America | Kareem Dale's Blog: Great News on July 26 Forum and Update on NCIL

Great News on July 26 Forum and Update on NCIL

By Kareem Dale, National Disability Vote Director, Obama for America - Jul 21st, 2008 at 10:20 am EDT

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As everyone knows, our anniversary is upcoming for the ADA. The campaign is in full anniversary mode. We have exciting things to report for this week and the anniversary forum in Ohio.

First, many of the complaints that the campaign has heard regarding the July 26 forum is that persons with disabilities wanted to know what Barack thinks himself about disability issues. They wanted someone close to Barack. Well, we have heard those concerns and delivered on hose requests. As you all know, Senator Tom Harkin has been a true leader in the disability community. And, Senator Harkin is Barack's closest disability policy advisor. For example, before Barack released his Plan to Empower Americans with Disabilities last fall, he and Harkin discussed the policy and Harkin made edits and suggestions to the policy. Moreover, Senator Obama's staff regularly consults with Harkin's lead disability staff on key policy pronouncements from the campaign on this subject.

Additionally, we have just confirmed that Mike Strautmanis will be introducing Senator Harkin at the forum. Mike is a close personal friend of Senator Obama and Michelle. In addition, Mike has a son who is an American with a disability. Mike will provide insight into Barack's and Michelle's commitment to persons with disabilities as well as his own commitment as an individual within the campaign.

I encourage everyone to circulate this information. I look forward to meeting all of you at the forum and at the NCIL conference.

Second, I will be attending the NCIL conference this week from Tuesday through Thursday. I will be speaking at the rally on Tuesday and at the reception prior to the dinner on Thursday. I am looking forward to discussing Senator Obama's support of the CCA and the rights of all Americans with disabilities to live independently and make their own living choices.

Please view this video, where Senator McCain stated that he does not support the CCA.

I look forward to meeting everyone at the conference and spreading the word about Barack Obama and his outstanding policies for Americans with disabilities.

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Tax-deferred savings plans for children with disabilities | Report to Admin

By Eric Lee Cole Jul 22nd 2008 at 8:44 pm EDT

As a parent of a child with multiple disabilities I’d like to know Senator Obama’s position on savings instruments for families like mine who can not use typical tax-deferred savings plans, such as a "529" college tuition plans since many disabled children may not go to college or ever become financially independent. Instead, my son uses special medical equipment and adaptive equipment. We desperately need a mechanism that allows for the care of family members with disabilities. As we approach the Anniversary of the ADA it would be great to hear how President Obama would help provide options to families who want to help save for our all our children’s future needs.
Thanks,
Eric

By Curtis Jul 25th 2008 at 11:37 am EDT

Wish you could be in Columbus for the National Forum on Disability Issues but just can't make it? You can still see it by registering for the live, simultaneous webcast of the event!

The webcast will feature real-time captioning and American Sign Language interpreting and is sponsored by Disaboom.

Why not invite some friends and coworkers and make it a viewing party? After all, it is the 18th Anniversary of the ADA! Viewing parties for that Saturday afternoon are being planned up all over the country, with some audiences as large as 1,000 people already reported.

Plan on joining the forum - register today!
Registration is required to help planners gain an accurate count of people "tuning in," to help direct media attention toward locations with
significant viewership, and to help gauge interest for future forums.

Register for the webcast at http://www.disaboom .com/AAPDSignUp. aspx.

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