What is the Olmstead Decision?
To Our Follows, Have A Happy New Year!
Take Action and Vote!
In this wrap-up video, Juliet Salih, Valerie Novack, Ruqayyah Bailey, Mia Ives-Rublee, Mary-Ann Langton, Imani Barbarin, Rafael Rolón-Muñiz, Crosby King, and Sean Gold, and Zach Borodkin call on us to get out there and vote! We’d like to express our gratitude for their participation, and all of the individuals who contributed their stories, in the National Disability Rights Network’s get out the vote video series: https://www.ndrn.org/voting/stories/
Please let us know how your experience went using the SABE GoVoter Project survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SABEGoVoter2020survey
What Will Election Day Be Like?
We worked with The Autistic Self Advocacy Network to make the "What Will Election Day be Like?" section of their "Your Vote Counts: A Self-Advocate’s Guide to Voting in the U.S." into this video. For more Easy Read information about voting, check out ASAN's voting toolkit at https://autisticadvocacy.org/voting
Now, here's what happens when you vote on Election Day:
Self-Advocates - Go and Vote!
Teresa Moore, a voter in Arizona, is the Director of Self Advocates Becoming Empowered SABE GoVoter Project. Teresa throws down some serious knowledge about voting, especially for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She shares how people with disabilities can maintain the right to vote when they have guardianships. Teresa’s message is this: If you care about an issue or a candidate, VOTE!
Visit https://www.VotersWithDisabilities.org to share your story and register to vote.
Now, It's Very Important
Watch Spencer Rigby discuss his love of hunting and the outdoors, and the accommodations that enable him to pursue his passions. He’s determined to cast his ballot, whether that’s by mail or in person.
Visit https://www.VotersWithDisabilities.org to share your story and register to vote.
Keep Up the Good Fight
In this new video, Crosby King explores how he grew into an activist after becoming disabled, and his history of protests and arrests. He believes homes in the community is the most important issue facing people with disabilities. Crosby encourages others to get out to vote and show up in order to demand access everywhere.
Visit https://www.VotersWithDisabilities.org to share your story and register to vote.
We Need To Move Up
In this new video, Mary-Ann Langton calls on us to look toward the future of disability rights, focus on the issues, and get educated about the political system.
Visit https://www.VotersWithDisabilities.org to share your story and register to vote.
Not Just Appreciate It, but Be a Part of It
What made you politically active? For Rafael of National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, it was because he had the opportunity to come to Washington DC, the center of politics. It helped him learn what was going on and how to get involved, "It really made me have to not just appreciate it, but be a part of it, and hat to actually make sure I had my own voice… make sure that I knew what I wanted to talk about." #OneVoteNow
Consulte el siguiente link para este informacion en español: https://www.ndrn.org/story/no-solo-aprecielo-sino-tambien-sea-parte-de-el/
Make Your Vote Count
Chris Hayes, who is Deaf, knows that politicians don’t always understand the issues impacting his community and how that influences his vote. For him, sharing the needs of Deaf and hard of hearing individuals with politicians is everyone's responsibility. Chris says the most important way to do that is to vote.
Visit https://www.VotersWithDisabilities.org to share your story and register to vote.
We Can Change the World
In this new video, Ruqayyah Bailey shares how her family's history of activism and a desire for change keeps her politically active. Ruqayyah, who has Autism and has a guardian, reminds us that people with disabilities can run for president and that we can "change the world!"
Visit https://www.VotersWithDisabilities.org to share your story and register to vote.
Writing Isn't Second Nature, It's My First
In this new video, Sean Gold - Author and Advocate, reflects on his writing and what politics means for him. Sean, who has cerebral palsy and uses a tracheostomy breathing tube, has always had a love for writing. Watch to learn more that and about why expanding access to healthcare keeps Sean voting!
Visit https://www.VotersWithDisabilities.org to share your story and register to vote.
You Left Us Out
In our latest video, Mia Ives-Rublee discusses her involvement in founding the Women's March Disability Caucus. She explains what drove her to do so, what was accomplished, and why it is necessary to include people with disabilities. She highlights some of the unique challenges women with disabilities have faced over the last several years when it comes to organizing and participating in mass movements, and encourages all people with disabilities to vote.
Visit https://www.VotersWithDisabilities.org to share your story and register to vote.
Angry Enough to Stay Politically Active
Learn what Juliet Salih, a schoolteacher with cerebral palsy, has to say about the lack of accessibility in our education system and the country in general, and why you need to get politically involved, starting by casting your ballot this election. As Juliet puts it, “Seeing what people with disabilities have to go through just to exercise our political right to vote makes me angry enough to stay politically active because I want to see that changed."
Please visit https://www.VotersWithDisabilities.org to share your story and to register to vote (depending on your state).
Step Closer: A World Su***de Prevention Day Film
It’s #WorldSu***dePreventionDay. Spread the message that we can create a world where fewer people die by su***de. This awareness video, produced by the International Association for Su***de Prevention, highlights the most essential ingredient for effective global su***de prevention - collaboration. We can create a world where fewer people die by su***de. Be open to talking about su***de and mental health with others. We need to reduce the stigma about su***de to save lives.
#WSPD #WSPD2020 #StepCloser
I Became A Poll Worker
Poll workers will be essential to ensuring that we are able to vote safely and securely this November. They also provide the much-needed service of setting up accessible voting machines, to ensure that people with disabilities are able to vote in person. As we face a poll worker shorter for the fall, now more than ever it is important for people to sign up to be a poll worker. #NationalPollWorkerRecruitmentDay
To become a poll worker like Diana, and to learn more, please visit: https://www.ndrn.org/story/i-became-a-poll-worker/
Parking at the Polls: Unique Challenges on Election Day
Today is National Poll Worker Recruitment Day! Poll workers, like Angelina James from Second Mesa, Arizona, are an essential part of our election system, especially for many individuals with disabilities who rely on accessible voting equipment.
Poll workers make sure our elections go smoothly! Consider signing up to become a poll worker this November and get more information at the Power the Polls website: https://www.powerthepolls.org/NDRN
We Can Make Something Better
Today, as people gather to commemorate the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom of 1963, demanding fundamental change to U.S. policing, we're uplifting Valerie Novack. Valerie, a disability policy researcher and mental and chronic illness advocate, explains how current police practices put people with mental health disabilities in jeopardy and why we need to vote for law enforcement, district attorneys, and judges who will end the carceral state’s mistreatment of people with disabilities.
Visit https://www.VotersWithDisabilities.org to share your story and register to vote.
My iPhone is Better than Your Expensive Voting System
Curtis Chong, a blind voter from Colorado, discusses some of the technological barriers he’s faced casting his ballot. In this new video, he describes some of the reasons why voting machines currently aren’t as accessible as possible to people with disabilities and why we need to vote in spite of these barriers!
Visit https://www.VotersWithDisabilities.org to share your story and register to vote.
We Can't Wait
In this video, activist, former congressional campaign staffer, and current Disability Rights New York staff member Zach Borodkin discusses what motivates him as a person with cerebral palsy to be politically active. Zach explains that the exclusion of people with disabilities from conversations about policies that will directly affect their lives leads to disenfranchisement and bad policies.
Visit https://www.VotersWithDisabilties.org to share your story and register to vote.
You Cannot Stop Me
In this video, activist, writer of the popular Crutches and Spice, and Director of Communications at Disability Rights Pennsylvania, Imani Barbarin discusses what drives her political activism. Imani explains that as a black woman with a disability, everything politicians and policymakers do impacts her life. But, too often, those same policymakers fail to reach out to people with disabilities, especially those who are people of color. Imani puts it directly, saying, "I’m a disabled black person, so that means every single thing that happens in a legislative session… has an impact on my ability to move around society."
Visit VotersWithDisabilities.org to share your story and register to vote.
4th of July Message from Stan Brown of Paralyzed Veterans of America
This 4th of July, consider putting down the hot dogs and picking up a voter registration form!
In this special #4thofJuly message, we teamed up with Paralyzed Veterans of America and retired U.S. Army Colonel Stan Brown to talk about how voting helps ensure elected officials honor the sacrifices made by veterans with disabilities. He talks about why now, more than ever, voting is important if we want to see meaningful change for all people with disabilities. So, take the chance to thank a veteran by getting ready to vote this November!
PRIDE: Now and in November
Pride is about inclusion. How do you show up? While we can’t celebrate Pride Month with you in person this year, we do have a message from Allilsa Fernandez, a disability activist, and the National Disability Rights Network’s Disaster Protection Advisor, Justice Shorter, and Senior Disability Advocacy Specialist, Ian Watlington.
Together they share their lived experiences, what drives their intersectional advocacy, and why you should be voting with PRIDE this November!
Know Your Right to Be Safe at Home: Caregiver Abuse during the COVID-19 Pandemic
You have the right to feel comfortable with your caregivers! The Coronavirus pandemic has caused disruptions in care for many people with disabilities which may lead to abusive alternatives as well as problems with primary caregivers. Victim advocacy experts from Disability Rights Wisconsin have a few tips on recognizing caregiver abuse and requesting help. Check out this video message from Pam Malin, Advocacy Specialist, and Nadya Rosen, Managing Attorney. Together they encourage anyone experiencing violence during the pandemic to make a plan, know your options, and know that NO caregiver ever has the right to abuse you.
Learn more on our website at https://www.ndrn.org/resource/ndrn-launches-know-your-right-to-be-safe-at-home-caregiver-abuse-during-the-covid-19-pandemic-video/
Know Your Education Rights as a College Student during the COVID-19 Pandemic
College students with disabilities have the right to access education during the Coronavirus pandemic! Most college/university campuses have temporarily closed for the spring and remain uncertain about when on-campus courses will resume. But whether classes are held online or on campus, students with disabilities still retain the right to receive reasonable accommodations and academic supports.
Ron Hager, our Managing Attorney for Education and Employment, has a message for college students. Check out this video for a few self-advocacy tips and some actionable steps for requesting additional assistance.
Know Your Right to Be Safe at Home: Domestic Violence during the COVID-19 Pandemic
You have the right to feel safe at home! For some, mandatory stay at home orders can mean separation from support systems and being isolated inside with an abuser for weeks or even months. Victim advocacy experts from Disability Rights Wisconsin have a few tips on recognizing domestic violence and requesting help. Check out this video message from Nadya Rosen, Managing Attorney and Pam Malin, Advocacy Specialist. Together, they encourage anyone experiencing violence during the pandemic to make a plan, know your options, and know that NO one ever has the right to abuse you.
Get more information and resources on our website: https://www.ndrn.org/resource/ndrn-launches-know-your-right-to-be-safe-at-home-domestic-violence-during-the-covid-19-pandemic-video/
Indian Health Services & Medical Rationing: Know Your Rights during COVID-19
Native Americans with disabilities have the right to access COVID-19 testing and treatment! Historically under-resourced medical systems, unreliable internet connectivity, and a lack of access to water have all contributed to the spread of Coronavirus cases throughout Native American populations. Annette Yazzie, an advocate at the Native American Disability Law Center and member of the Navajo Nation in New Mexico, has an informative message about navigating the Indian Health Service.
Check out her video on self-advocacy and preventing discrimination related to medical rationing. For more information, visit our website: https://www.ndrn.org/resource/indian-health-services-medical-rationing-know-your-rights-during-covid-19/
Stop The Spread in Jails & Prisons: Know Your Rights during COVID-19
Incarcerated individuals with disabilities also have the right to be protected from COVID-19! Overcrowding, unsanitary living conditions, insufficient testing/treatment and a lack of access to reasonable accommodations all contribute to the continued spread of Coronavirus cases in jails/prisons.
Philip Fornaci, a staff attorney here at the National Disability Rights Network, is joined in this video by Talib Shakir, a formerly incarcerated individual. Check out their message for ways to help #StopTheSpread of COVID-19 in jails, prisons and detention centers across the country.
Learn how you can support people with disabilities in jails and prisons on our website: https://www.ndrn.org/resource/ndrn-launches-stop-the-spread-in-jails-prisons-know-your-rights-during-covid-19-video/
