What's New in Disability Activism?

Posted on July 12, 2009 by David Austin

If you’re the parent of a cerebral palsy child or a child with disability, it’s a good idea to stay up-to-date on legislative decisions that may affect your child’s education, health care, and future in general. The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is a great starting point to find out what’s being done for disability rights – and it’s a great starting point for becoming an activist for your child.
 

Below are some recent news and highlights from the disability community:

  • Confirmation hearings for Judge Sonia Sotomayer’s appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court begin on Monday, July 13, 2009. A coalition of disability groups has spoken out in support of Judge Sotomayer, who has a history of justly deciding disability cases.
  • President Barack Obama nominated Alexa Posny for Assistant Secretary for Special Education and the Senate confirmed disability rights leader Kathy Martinez as Assistant Secretary of the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP).
  • Representative Ed Markey (D-MA) introduced the 21st Century Communications & Video Accessibility Act of 2009, which seeks to ensure that Internet video and telecommunications are accessible to people with disability.
  • July 26, 2009 marks the 19th anniversary of the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The AAPD plans to celebrate this landmark Act on July 22.


To learn more about cerebral palsy or disability activism, visit the AAPD website or United Cerebral Palsy.

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Disability Association Encouraged by Sotomayor Nomination

Posted on June 2, 2009 by David Austin

The recent nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the United States Supreme Court has been met with some optimism by the disability community, which has long lacked a consistent advocate for their right in the nation’s highest court.


In a statement by the American Association of People with Disabilities, President and CEO Andrew J. Imparato said:
 

The disability community has learned the hard way the importance of Supreme Court nominations…Based on our preliminary analysis of Judge Sotomayor’s extensive record on the bench, we are encouraged that she may be the champion we have been looking for.

Supreme Court decisions have the power to impact people with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, paralysis, and countless other disabilities in areas such as:

  • Education
  • Employment
  • Healthcare
  • Housing
  • Long-term services and support
  • Technology
  • Transportation
  • Voting

To read more about what the disability community is saying about Judge Sotomayor’s nomination, visit the AAPD website.

 

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Do You Know Where the Candidates Stand on Disability?

Posted on October 21, 2008 by David Austin

Families of children with cerebral palsy and/or other special needs often rely heavily on government funding and programs for help. With the presidential election on the horizon, parents of kids with disabilities need to know exactly where the candidates stand.



Most people are aware that Alaska Governor and Vice-Presidential candidate Sarah Palin has a child with Down syndrome. But will she make disability issues a priority if elected? And what about Sen. John McCain, Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. Joe Biden? Where do they stand on issues of disability, healthcare and education?



To make the most informed decision this election season, check out some of the resources below to find out where the different candidates stand on issues affecting people with disability:


 


The presidential election will take place on November 4, 2008.

 

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