I thought that I’d post the script for the Advocacy Line here. That way, you’ll know some of the stuff that we have been doing!
CDR Advocacy Line Script
Hello, and welcome to the Center for Disability Rights Advocacy Line! This is the place to find out what’s happening in the world of disability rights advocacy and activism. Here at the Center for Disability Rights, we work on advocacy efforts on the local, state, and national levels. Each week, we will give information on new initiatives, meetings, and happenings, as well as updates on past efforts. This message will be a bit long, since there is a lot to report, but in the future, we’ll keep it short.
If you have any further questions, please contact Anita Cameron at 585-546-7510.
Here are the activities, meetings, and other happenings for the week of July 23, 2007:
July 23
Community Choice Act
The Community Choice Act (H.R. 1621 and S. 799) would give people with disabilities who are eligible for nursing home placement the choice to live in the community with the services and supports that they need to remain independent.
Senator Barack Obama is the most recent Senate supporter of the Community Choice Act. He signed on today as a co-sponsor. Both of the New York Senators, Charles Schumer, and Hillary Clinton were original co-sponsors of the bill.
In the House, Rep. Pete Sessions, of Texas, and Rep. Don Young, of Arkansas became co-sponsors today. So far, the only co-sponsor from New York is Rep. Jim Walsh, who signed on in May, days after a visit from ADAPT to his Washington, DC office. Rochester advocates are working on getting Rep. Randy Kuhl, Rep. Louise Slaughter, and Rep. Tom Reynolds to sign on, while other advocates around the state are trying to get their respective members of Congress to sign on. Many thanks to all of you advocates for your hard work!
Action Alert
An Action Alert went out asking advocates to contact their congress members to sign on as original co-sponsors of the ADA Restoration Act of 2007 when it is introduced on July 26th. Because this was an update to a previous Action Alert, this Action Alert was not activated, but the offices of Reps. Kuhl, Reynolds, Slaughter, and Walsh were contacted and once again, encouraged to sign on as original co-sponsors.
*** A note about Action Alerts***
Action Alerts will be listed here, along with the method of response. If you do not have access to a computer, or the Internet, or if your screen reader does not support certain platforms, such as capwiz, feel free to leave your information such as your name, e-mail address and zip code, and the Action Alert will be completed for you.
July 25
ADAPT
ADAPT is a national, grassroots disability rights organization and movement, with chapters in over twenty states. Our chapter is part of New York State ADAPT. Our meetings are usually held once a month at the CDR Recreation Center located at 41 Backus Street
ADAPT met and announced upcoming events for ADA Day, local advocacy efforts, and the details of our trip to Chicago in September, as well as a short trip to Washington, DC for the senate hearings on the Community Choice Act.
Our next meeting is Tuesday, August 7, 2007 at 5:30 pm at 41 Backus Street. This will be the second of four mandatory meetings that advocates must attend if you are planning on going with us to Chicago!
July 26
Happy ADA Day! This day marks the 17th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Here are the activities that took place:
ADA Restoration Act
The ADA Restoration Act (H.R. 3195 and S. 1881) was introduced into the House and the Senate. Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland, and Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner of Wisconsin introduced the House bill, and Sen. Tom Harkin, of Iowa, and Sen. Arlen Specter, of Pennsylvania introduced the Senate bill. The ADA Restoration Act would restore the protections for people whose conditions are controlled by medications, such as epilepsy, diabetes, psychiatric disabilities, and cancer. Over the years, people with these, and other disabilities had been determined by the courts not to be disabled because they were “too functional”, and thus, were not protected against workplace discrimination. The purpose of the ADA Restoration Act is to restore the Americans with Disabilities Act’s original intent as defined by Congress.
According to the latest reports, the following Rochester area representatives have signed on as original Co-sponsors:
Rep. Louise Slaughter
Rep. Jim Walsh
There is some confusion about Rep. Randy Kuhl. He is listed as an original co-sponsor, but is not listed as such on the bill. That will be clarified that when the text of the bill is available.
Thanks to all those who called, phoned, and e-mailed their members of Congress about this very important legislation!
WXXI-1370 AM interview about the ADA
Chris Hilderbrant, Director of Advocacy at CDR was interviewed by Bob Smith, host of WXXI Connection, a morning radio show that focuses on events and issues of concern to Rochester area residents. Chris spoke of Americans with Disabilities Act, and the fact that this is the seventeenth anniversary of it’s signing, as well as the promise and the challenges of the ADA. Several callers from Rochester and the surrounding area called in with questions about various aspects and provisions of the ADA. It was a really good show!
Wheelchair Rugby Clinic:
Mark Zupan, star of the film, Murderball, who led his team to a Bronze medal in the 2004 Paralympics in Athens, Greece, hosted a Wheelchair Rugby Clinic in the gymnasium of School #50. Participants were taught some simple moves, then, several short games were played. Everyone had fun, and it was really great to play some wheelchair rugby with Mark!
ADA Anniversary Dinner
The Center for Disability Rights’ annual ADA Anniversary Dinner was held at the Strathallen Hotel this year. Dinner was a choice of Tuscan Chicken, Prime Rib of Beef, and Salmon, followed by a nice slice of cheesecake with a delicious sauce. Mark Zupan, world-renowned wheelchair rugby champion, and star of the film, “Murderball” was the keynote speaker. Jennifer Johnson, of New 10 NBC, and a member of the CDR Development Committee was the Emcee. Rochester Mayor, Robert Duffy made an appearance, and Molly Clifford, the Mayor’s Liaison to the Disability Community, and Bruce Darling, Executive Director of CDR gave comments. Everyone had a great time!
July 27
Murderball Showing
The film, “Murderball” was shown at the Curtis Theatre of the Eastman Theatre. Murderball is a documentary about Mark Zupan, and his wheelchair rugby team’s efforts to win a Gold medal at the 2004 Paralympics Games in Athens, Greece.
That’s all for the week of July 23rd. It was definitely exciting! Remember to call back for news of what’s happening next week!
Here are the activities, meetings, and other happenings for the week of July 30, 2007:
August 1
Bus Fareness Committee Meeting
The Bus Fareness Committee will be meeting at CDR at 10:00 am until noon. The main objective of this group is to seek a way of creating a Community Review Committee as an oversight of the transit Authority.
August 2
RGRTA Board meeting
The Board of Commissioners of the Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority will have its monthly meeting at its headquarters, located at 1372 East Main Street from noon until 2:00 pm. These meetings are where the transit authority makes decisions that affect you! Although the public is not allowed to speak, our presence speaks volumes, so come on down, and lets pack the house!
August 3
TAG meeting
The Transportation Access Group (known as TAG) will meet from noon until 2:00 pm at the CDR Rec. Center, located at 41 Backus Street. TAG advocates around transportation issues, mainly, buses and Lift Line. Lunch is $1.00, or free, if you help fix it.
