Thursday, November 7, 2019

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION!


Most of the time I focus on local issues, but sometimes it’s important to think about how we can affect the national dialogue on disability!  So focus your attention on this:  On January 13, 2020,  AAPD - the American Association of Persons with Disabilities – will host a nonpartisan Presidential Forum on Disability Issues in Austin, Texas.  If any of you think you can attend, or know someone who might be able to, tickets are $10 apiece and can be ordered here:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/elected-for-inclusion-a-presidential-forum-on-disability-issues-tickets-77923046931.  As part of its REV UP Campaign (https://www.aapd.com/advocacy/voting/), and with the cooperation of the National Council on Independent Living (https://www.ncil.org/), AAPD has submitted important questions to declared presidential candidates in advance of the Forum, and the responses from candidates so far can be found here:  https://www.aapd.com/advocacy/voting/presidential-elections-2020/.

And in the meantime, for those of you with deep pockets, USICD – the U.S. International Council on Disabilities – will host its annual gala right here in our fair city on December 3 (http://usicd.org/news/events/).  Among other honorees will be (posthumously) NCIL founder and prominent disability advocate Marca Bristo (http://www.advocacymonitor.com/ncil-mourns-the-loss-of-marca-bristo/).  The Presidential Forum will be on everyone’s lips, so pay up and attend if you’re able.  It’s always a wonderful and uplifting event.

WE CAN – AND DO – MAKE A DIFFERENCE!  SHOW UP, WHEN AND WHERE YOU CAN – AND, DEFINITELY,    VOTE!