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One of the goals of the newsletter is to share about issues and barriers that young people with disabilities feel are important. The Summer Newsletter features the first of several columns about accessibility. This section of the newsletter allows youth to express their thoughts, feelings, and knowledge about issues that they feel passionately about. The article below is a young leader's experience as a blind senior in high school preparing for college. The complete article and many other interesting columns can be read in the Summer 2007 issue of the newsletter, which is available by clicking the words "Summer Newsletter" in the list at the top of this page. Voting and People with Disabilities Voting is one of our most basic rights. Many people have struggled to ensure that this right exists for all. Why is voting so important? It gives us a voice about the future of the United States. Yet, many people do not take advantage of this right. Or they have things that get in the way of getting to the polls. Voter turnout rates in the U.S. are just over 50%. People with disabilities vote at a much lower rate. In the past, only about 33% of people with disabilities vote. This number makes us about 20% less likely to vote than other groups. Not voting makes politicians less likely to pay attention to our needs. In the 2000 Presidential election, 41%of Americans with disabilities voted. This was more than previous elections. But this is still low compared with other groups. In 2000 there would have been an additional 3.2 million votes if people with disabilities voted at the same rate as other people of voting age. These votes could have changed the outcome of the 2000 election. On the bright side, more people with disabilities are voting. But there is still a large difference between people with and without disabilities. This has been called "The Political Participation Gap." Some reasons for this gap include:
If barriers were removed, Americans with disabilities could have a big impact on political decisions. The roughly 40 million Americans with disabilities of voting age have the potential to make change. If we were to vote on a regular and united basis, no candidate could afford to ignore our needs. Justin Dart, an advocate and "Father of the ADA," often told people with disabilities to "Vote as if your life depends on it. Because it does." As a group we are greatly affected by public policy. The services and accommodations that many of us receive are all the result of such policy. Today there are still many issues that require political action. But if we do not act, these may never be resolved. Some ways to increase voting among people with disabilities are:
Many organizations are working to help people with disabilities vote. The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) has put together a 2008 action center. This includes information on candidates, disability issues, voter registration and other resources. To view go to: The National Organization on Disability (NOD) also offers information on making polling places accessible. To view go to: The National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) offers information. To view go to: If we all work towards fully participating in the political process, as a group we may achieve meaningful changes. Voting is power and we must make our voices heard. This is a way to meet our own needs. So please BE SURE TO VOTE!!!
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President's remarks and for video and audio: For 12 years, the ADA has proven that when people are treated with dignity and respect, our entire nation benefits. And the best way to celebrate the progress the ADA has made is to continue and build on that progress. And here's an update on NFI:Honoring the Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act
See a mention of NYLN's youth directed survey, in which, NYLN member, Rebecca Hare, commments. |
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