This Action Alert comes to us from Brad, at NYSILC. Please respond soon!
Background: We are three weeks from the Presidential Candidates Forum on July 26th in Columbus, Ohio. AAPD has been talking to both Senator Obama’s and Senator McCain’s schedulers but they do not have a firm commitment from either candidate. This is not acceptable! It is time to start real pressure.
Action: Click on the link to the CDR website below:
http://capwiz.com/rochestercdr/issues/alert/?alertid=11553991&type=CU&show_alert=1
Use the text message provided. Feel free to edit or add to it to convey your message, especially to elaborate about an issue that is important to you. Fill in the information boxes with your information. When done, click the “Send Message” button.
If appropriate, forward the alert to advocates who are most likely to take action in your group or network.
RA’s Note–Here is my response:
Dear
My name is Anita Cameron, and I live in Rochester, NY. As a registered voter with a disability, I am writing to request your participation in the Presidential Candidates Forum on July 26th in Columbus, Ohio on the 18th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The forum is sponsored by major national disability rights organizations, attended by a representative group of our peers, and will be simultaneously webcast to tens of thousands of advocates across the country. This is the premier event at which to communicate with voters with disabilities prior to Election Day 2008. To say that this is important to me is an understatement!
As one of the two presumptive Presidential nominees, you need to make it a priority to participate in this event. You must also be prepared to talk about issues important to Americans with disabilities such as the Community Choice Act, affordable, accessible, integrated housing, accessible public transportation, especially in rural areas, the 21st Century Communication Accessibility Legislation, IDEA/No Child Left Behind, and the U.N.Treaty on the Rights of People with Disabilities. I want to know specifically how you will address these issues if you become President.
Finally, I urge you to talk about people with disabilities in your speeches and on the campaign trail. I don’t want you to talk about us only when you’re talking to us. We are an important part of your constituency! I don’t care about what’s up on your website. I care about what you are saying when you’re on TV, in your ads, in your Town Hall meetings. Don’t treat us as if we don’t exist. We vote. I vote!
I look forward to your attendance at this important event.
Sincerely,
Anita Cameron
