Grassroots Advocacy is Key to Helping People with Disabilities

By:Rick Young

A democracy is a government by the people for the people - but nothing can happen without individual citizen action. That's why grassroots advocacy is so effective.

For example, Easter Seals has been actively involved in public policy since its founder, Edgar Allen, called on the Ohio Legislature to fund appropriate services for children with disabilities in the 1920s. This nonprofit organization has worked with federal, state and local officials and agencies since then to advocate for laws and programs that help people with disabilities achieve independence.

This year marked the 14th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, landmark legislation that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, access to state and local government services, public accommodations, transportation and telecommunications.

Despite the law's intent, the basics of everyday life are still out of reach for 54 million Americans with disabilities, according to Easter Seals. These basics include going to school, getting a job, accessing health care, finding housing, using transportation and voting independently. Consider these national statistics:

* One out of five students with disabilities drops out of high school.

* Two out of three people with disabilities who are not working would like to work, but lack of opportunities and accessibility issues prevent them.

* More than 500,000 people with disabilities indicate they never leave home because of transportation difficulties.

* Eighty-four percent of polling places are not accessible to people with disabilities.

You may think, "What can I do as an individual to make a difference?" The answer is simple. Write your local and national leaders and vote in every election.

Americans can get involved by asking elected officials to:

* Guarantee access to high- quality educational services for people with disabilities.

* Employ more people with disabilities.

* Provide quality health care to citizens with disabilities.

* Create affordable housing options and accessible transportation services.

* Make all polling places accessible so people with disabilities can vote.

Easter Seals has launched an online petition and campaign to make sure people with disabilities have equal opportunities to be active participants in society.

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Visit www.easterseals.com/sign to join the "Full Participation for All" campaign. Easter Seals encourages everyone to get involved and help make the American dream accessible to all. It starts with you. -NU

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