Great News! DNC Launches "Disability Votes"

[DemBones DemBones]

Largest Mobilization of Voters with Disabilites in the History of Presidential Elections

Washington, DC - Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Terry McAuliffe today announced the launch of Disability Votes, the largest get-out-the-vote drive for the disabled in the history of presidential elections. Disability Votes will reach out to voters with disabilities and their families and friends in key battleground states to increase turn out among people with disabilities and elect John Kerry and other Democratic candidates this November.

"For four years George W. Bush has failed the disability community with empty rhetoric and broken promises that have resulted in a loss of housing, health care, jobs and education for individuals with disabilities," said McAuliffe. "The Bush administration has overlooked the disabled community for far too long, but on November 2nd Disablity Votes will make sure they won’t be overlooked when together, we elect John Kerry and take our country in a new direction."

The DNC's Disability Votes is mounting the largest grassroots campaign of its kind. With the help of state steering committees, Disablity Votes volunteers will contact voters with disabilities through canvassing and phone banking. Disability Votes is actively working to educate voters about Bush's wrong choices for people with disabilities and John Kerry's clear, concise plan to ensure freedom, independence and choices and for all Americans with disabilities. As a result of Bush's failed policies, millions of Americans with disabilities lost their housing subsidies; children with disabilities were left behind in the no child left behind act and federal judges were nominated who publicly oppose the ADA.

During the remaining weeks of the campaign, community leaders like Senator Ted Kennedy and Senator Bob Harkin will lead the get-out-the-vote rallies around the country. Activities will culminate on Election Day, when Disability Votes will undertake the largest get-out-the-vote program ever, bringing voters with disabilities to the polls in record numbers.

"On November 2nd, the disability community will vote in record numbers, and the record will show the disability community helped elect John Kerry as the next President and other Democratic candidates across the country," said Becky Ogle, Director of Disablity Outreach for the DNC.

[REP]

1. I Don't Think They Need To Tell a Single Disabled Person that Bush Sucks

Disabled doesn't mean "in a wheelchair" or "stupid." No surprise to anyone here, but it's big news to the Bush* folks.

[PA Democrat]

2. Any parent of a disabled child should look at what the Republican House

tried to do with IDEA (the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). The House version of this bill sets back the rights of children with disabilities to acquire a free and appropriate education by more than 20 years.