Americans with disabilities.

Dear Presidential candidate,

Over fifty million Americans have disabilities. They, their friends and families are your constituents- and WE VOTE!

I have organized and founded Armstrong County Disability Investigative Group (DIG). The Disability Investigative Group advocates for education, change and awareness in the community and to help find solutions to problems faced by all people with disabilities.  

My group and I along with other groups across the nation promote voters registration and we help to promote he campaign titled We HAVA Vote. I feel that we are becoming a powerful voting block as disability groups become empowered by voting.

What I and others of the disability community would like to know is what your plan is for Americans with disabilities. We would like to know you position on the following issues:

What steps would you take to reduce barriers to employment for people with disabilities – including veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan?

Do you support the ADA Restoration Act (HR 3195 & S 1881) to restore the employment protections of the Americans with Disabilities Act?

What would you do to fulfill the growing need for long term services (such as personal assistants and respite care) that allow people with disabilities to live at home and remain in their communities rather than go into a nursing home?

Do you support increases in Social Security’s administrative budget so that people do not suffer from unanswered calls and unconscionable waiting times for decisions about their eligibility for Social Security disability benefits?

What would you do to ensure that people, including children, with disabilities, have access to affordable, quality health care including prescription medications?

Do you support full federal funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act?

What would you do to correct the Medicare “in-the-home” rule that only pays for wheelchairs needed in the home – rather than for trips to the grocery store, medical appointments, attending worship services, taking children to school, voting, and participating in community life?

How would you reform the Social Security disabilities programs so that people with disabilities are rewarded not punished – for working and do not fear losing their access to health care?

Do you support the Community Choice Act (S 799 and HR 1621) and the Community Living Assistance Services & Supports Act (CLASS Act, S 1758 and HR 3001) that provide for services and supports for people with disabilities?

What would you do to increase the availability of affordable, accessible, and integrated housing in the community for low and moderate income people with disabilities and their families?

What would you do to improve the outcomes for students with disabilities who transition from school to higher education or employment?

What would you do to ensure that the internet technologies and communications are accessible and usable by people with disabilities?

What would you do to expand access to affordable, accessible transportation for people with disabilities, especially in rural areas?

Voting is the most fundamental right of citizenship. What steps would you take to ensure that people with disabilities are able to vote privately and independently, consistent with the Help America Vote Act?

Sincerely

William J. Tatters

DISABILITY INVESTIGATIVE GROUP