Tuesday, September 2, 2008

New Disaboom Poll: 91% Call for Increased Political Voice

MARKET WIRE via COMTEX— Healthcare, employment issues, and community support top the list of issues people with disabilities want our presidential candidates to address, according to a new poll by Disaboom (http:// www.disaboom.com). Fully 91% of people with disabilities participating in the poll say they do not have a political voice. Disaboom founder Dr. Glen House says people with disabilities are “eager to be included in the political dialogue in the 2008 election", noting that people with disabilities are the largest minority group in the U.S. In a related poll, Disaboom reports 57% of people with disabilities support Barack Obama, while 37% support John McCain.

SOURCES:
“91% of People with Disabilities Believe They Don't Have a Political Voice, Urge Candidates to Address Top Disability Issues”

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/91-people-disabilities-believe-they/story.aspx?guid={04FD55A1-D275-429B-92D3-D661038BA0EC}&dist=hppr

“Disaboom's Survey Shows Disabled People Urge Presidential Candidates To Address Disability Issues”

http://www.rttnews.com/Content/BreakingNews.aspx?Node=B1&Id=698347%20&Category=Breaking%20News

“91% of People With Disabilities Believe They Receive Less Attention From Presidential Candidates Than Other Groups”

http://www.financialnewsusa.com/news.php?rlsid=2066

RELATED:

“People With Disabilities Choose Obama, Disaboom Poll Shows”

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/people-disabilities-choose-obama-disaboom/story.aspx?guid={FA2F014B-FCA8-4E24-8013-0C0F1E81BA32}&dist=hppr

Disaboom has 2008 Election coverage available: http://www.disaboom.com/Living/Election08/Default.aspx

27 comments:

Anonymous said...

I think is good that people with disabilities participate and have a voice in politic. There are so many injustices outside that it has to stop, that's why it is important to unite with the purpose of a better life for everyone (in the good way). We are all equal in life, and have to get the same respect and rights. Of course that people with disabilities are going to be anxious to be included in politic, it has to be like that. I'm agree everyone has the same right to vote and have a voice. Claudia P.

Anonymous said...

I believe that every person has the right to voice their own opinion on what they believe. Every person can make a difference wether they are disabled or well enough to walk five miles. It is every one's opinion that matters when it comes down to our way of life. Everyone is entitled to their share of rights so why not use them. Arturo D

Anonymous said...

I think both candidates have not clearly addressed a sound plan for health care for disabled people in American. I believe that given the history of the neglect people have recieved over time;it is important to continue to push forward to become a part of the agenda of congress and presidential incumbents. It is extremely important for all people with disabilities not to feel as if there vote does not count but, rather vote for the right leadership to help the largest minority group.

EDDIE. R.

Anonymous said...

I think both candidates have not clearly addressed a sound plan for health care for disabled people in American. I believe that given the history of the neglect people have recieved over time;it is important to continue to push forward to become a part of the agenda of congress and presidential incumbents. It is extremely important for all people with disabilities not to feel as if there vote does not count but, rather vote for the right leadership to help the largest minority group.

EDDIE. R.

Anonymous said...

Though I do not agree with some of the issues that Gov. Palin has been involved with. I do think it is a positive influence for the policial party to not only seek a woman for vice president but one who faces the every day challeneges of a typical normal family. Having a down syndrome child is not what we would want but, as a mother of a down syndrome child she would be able to advocate for mentally challenged community. Having a personal experience and knowing exactly what it is like to bring up a down syndome child would be a positive impact for the people of this country. It is about time our country sees that Down Syndrome individuals could have a voice in congress. Gov. Palin will be able to show the country that it is not easy bringing up children and it is even more difficult when your child is mentally challenged. This would definetly be a positive influence for the disabled community.

Anonymous said...

Though I do not agree with some of the issues that Gov. Palin has been involved with. I do think it is a positive influence for the policial party to not only seek a woman for vice president but one who faces the every day challeneges of a typical normal family. Having a down syndrome child is not what we would want but, as a mother of a down syndrome child she would be able to advocate for mentally challenged community. Having a personal experience and knowing exactly what it is like to bring up a down syndome child would be a positive impact for the people of this country. It is about time our country sees that Down Syndrome individuals could have a voice in congress. Gov. Palin will be able to show the country that it is not easy bringing up children and it is even more difficult when your child is mentally challenged. This would definetly be a positive influence for the disabled community.

I.Garza

Anonymous said...

Eddie r. states "that neither party has clearly addressed a sound plan for health care for disabled people in America". It is quite likly that there will not be a statement of policy for health care for persons with disabilities. Persons with disabilities in the United States actually have health care. Children with disabilities and special needs children have access to Medicaid, and in Texas Children with Special Health Care Needs program. Also SSI provides income support and an SSDI qualification provides access to Medicaid as well. Medicaid provides better coverage and access than most private insurance programs. Medicaid also provides transportation to and from Medical appointments at no charge which is not provided by any private Health Care Plan. So, Health Care may be an issue in this election, but as a specific program for persons with disabilities I would not expect either party to address with specifics. Russell A.

Anonymous said...

Definitely, politics are a very important aspect of our society in general. People with disabilities should very well be familiarized with what our politicians offers in their campaigns. However, most importantly people with disabilities need to get out and vote. Voting is the only way people are able to decide who is place as an authority. However, many times people may get discourage in regards to politics and promises which has contribute greatly to a negative attitude to not voting and I am able to say this due to personal experience.
On the other hand, voting is crucial, and people with disabilities deserve to have a voice in political dialogue. There is a lot of necessities than need to be address in regard to disability and the government would be able to address many of those by starting to considers the problems and acknowledging the disable community. As is mentioned in the blog people with disabilities are the largest minority group in the U.S. which needs should be a priority to government officials and especially to contender politicians.
Mariana GG

Anonymous said...

In the upcoming 2008 elections the Disability Community is raising its voices to be heard once and for all. For far too long, issues relating to the Disability Community have gone without recognition. Issues such as Healthcare, Unemployment, and Community Support have given way to other political issues that the candidates feel will gain them more constituents. In this era, we find that one of the biggest unrecognized minority groups is that of the Disability Community. Through out the years there have been many laws passed to recognize that people with disabilities have equal rights too, but little has been done to fully implement those laws. Individuals with disabilities have been and continue to be discriminated against when it comes to employment and acquiring healthcare. These are very important issues that both the republican and democratic nominees should consider placing on their agenda to gain the support needed by the Disability Community. Juan N.

Anonymous said...

These are interesting statistics. 91 percent of people with disabilities think they do not have a voice in politics.

We all have a voice in that we have a vote. I do not think this is what the 91 percent are referring to.

Persons with disabilities need a lobbying group, someone to speak for all people with disabilities. This lobbying group should be patterned after AARP, with memberships, dues, a magazine and lobbying in behalf of issues that matter to persons with diabilities. That organization should have the power to put pressures on politicians and lobby in congressional committees to obtain laws that will benefit people with disabilities, and block laws or amendments that would hurt them.

An organization for disable people should list issues, and then ask politicians to take a stand on those issues. Those politicians who favor issues helpful to disable people should be monitored to make sure they keep those promises. Those who do not support issues helpful to persons with disability should have opponents when they run for reelection.

The recent amendment to the ADA sponsored by Senators Harkin and Hatch is a very good thing, and a relatively non-controversial one. In order to have a voice, and flex political muscle, people with disabilities need to organize politically so that they can win on matters important to them where there is some opposition

DavidW

Anonymous said...

As I agree with some of the rhetoric sent by the person of 9-6-08 at 3:36 PM, they need to learn to use person first language when talking about people with disabilities. It would be more appropriate to say child with Down Syndrome using person first language as opposed to placing the disability descriptor before the child descriptor. Stereotypic language sends negative messages of alienation and leads people with Down Syndrome to doubt their self-worth. Children need to feel like valued members of society. See the person not their disability. Also, as opposed to saying typical normal family it would be more appropriate to say a typical family without disabilities or a normally developing family. By referring to people without a disability as normal then you are differentiating those with a disability as abnormal.
D. Fraser

Anonymous said...

While over 40 million Americans have disabilities and are the largest minority group, there is legislation creating possibilities and opportunities for people with disabilities. People with disabilities need to empower themselves and take the initiative to get more involved in politics. People with disabilities and their advocates can get involved by becoming lobbyists and by seeking representatives to support and voice their concerns. Some may believe that Obama might be the better presidential candidate to support people with disabilities because he claims to be a Democrat. It is very important for voters to thoroughly research candidates for election. It is more important to put the right candidate in office as opposed to the right party. The parties have changed and are not what they used to be. Health care continues to be a major issue in this country regardless of party affiliation. The better candidate to support the rights of the minority would be the one who has similar experiences as the minority and can sympathize with their concerns. Minorities have a voice. Get out and use it.
D. Fraser

Anonymous said...

Definitely, politics are a very important aspect of our society in general. People with disabilities should very well be familiarized with what our politicians offers in their campaigns. However, most importantly people with disabilities need to get out and vote. Voting is the only way people are able to decide who is place as an authority. However, many times people may get discourage in regards to politics and promises which has contribute greatly to a negative attitude to not voting and I am able to say this due to personal experience.
On the other hand, voting is crucial, and people with disabilities deserve to have a voice in political dialogue. There is a lot of necessities than need to be address in regard to disability and the government would be able to address many of those by starting to considers the problems and acknowledging the disable community. As is mentioned in the blog people with disabilities are the largest minority group in the U.S. which needs should be a priority to government officials and especially to contender politicians.

Mariana GG

Anonymous said...

Historically people with disabilities have been excluded from participating in decisions that affect their lives. Their absence from decision-making processes has reinforced barriers to full participation in society. There are many barriers that continue to affect people with disabilities from actively engaging in political and public life. We should not be surprised that 91% feel they do not have a political voice. Let’s consider that many individuals with disabilities do not receive an equitable education. The lack of education is interrelated with political participation. Education is crucial when we consider the need to access information that will inform us of the issues that are relevant to our lives. The ability to be informed affects how we vote. The ability to vote is another issue that many people still don’t understand. Casting a vote is the easiest way to exercise your political voice and yet for people with disabilities it continues to be a challenge. If a person with a disability does not have access to transportation, they may not be able to register to vote, to cast a ballot at a polling station, or participate in public hearings on important community issues that may impact their lives. So how easy is it for people with disabilities to empower themselves and take the initiative and participate in the political process? I feel that many people continue to be clueless of the many obstacles and barriers that prevent individuals with disabilities from having a political voice. This is obvious by the comments I have read on this blog. If anyone is interested in learning what I have to do to vote, feel free to ask me. I know firsthand how challenging voting can be.
Rosie G

Anonymous said...

I can see how people with disabilities would be discouraged and frustrated for not having a voice in politics. All we hear everyday is the politicians promise on how they will be the better pick for president and so on. They are constantly throwing promises that we all know most of them will not be seen through.

We hear the personal, negative comments they dish out on one another, personally I am disgusted about this. I want to hear on issues that affect people like me on a daily basis. I cannot believe that the advisors for McCain or Obama have not told them about the issues that a lot of people with disabilities have. I am sure they all know someone that can relate.
The candidates need to be more clear and direct on their health care plan for all, disabilities or not.
And not just on health care, the economy, education and foreign involvement. That way when we go out and vote we know that we are making the right choice based on their stance on the issues. And not just cast a vote because they are female or the first black candidate. Those facts about the candidates are irrevalent.
MCasas

Anonymous said...

DFraser's comment about the candidate that can sympathize with the issues is the better pick... well I do not necessarily agree with that. I think the candidate that has the better understanding of issues will be the better pick and hopefully the one to get things done. I do agree with the minorities having a voice and needing to speak up.
MCasas

Anonymous said...

I think that people with disabilities have the right to vote as any other person without disabilities. People with disabilities have to be treated equally as anybody else. ROCIO D.

Anonymous said...

I agree with Mariana GG. Even though the election has already past, people need to be aware of what happens in the campaigns and what politicians have to offer. Like it or not, politics is very present in this country and others. If we don’t know what’s going on around us, we can help others. Voting is simply a way in which people are able to decide who the authority, who will lead us. I agree also that a lot of time people get discouraged and don’t think that their vote counts. I have even thought so myself.
janneth a.

Anonymous said...

Our president was elected and the elections are now part of the past. However, what does remain part of our present is issues of employment and healthcare. People with disabilities are just as capable as anyone else to voice an opinion, whether it is in an election, or simply stating their thought. What minorities don’t seem to see is that they are constantly growing. Different cultures, people with disabilities, and any other type of minority is what composes our country. We are not a molting pot because the weather is hot. It’s because of all of us. Therefore, voicing our opinions is very important. Who knows, maybe when we all get together change will occur for the better. We need to motivate those around us and help them see how we can all make a positive impact.
janneth a

Anonymous said...

Voting! That is a great way to say lets decide our future. We all need to go out and see who the best candidate is for the future of our nation. If people go out and vote they will be putting their foot down and saying to everyone this is what we want and this is what we are going to fight for. People with disabilities especially being the largest minority group need to stand together and show which ever candidate it is they are supporting that they want to see change. They can help (looks like they are favoring Obama) become the leading man that will try to help the largest minority group see some changes. It would also be good to see some changes in the way that people with disabilities are voting. They better accommodations to help them want to go out and change the way we see things. On the other hand them standing up and going out to vote anyway will also show that we need change and they are tired of having to wait for it.
-anisa c

Anonymous said...

I feel that individuals with disabilities are very important and feel they have the right to desire things just like the rest of us. Healthcare, employment, and community support are at the top of the list in which people with disabilities want the presidential candidates to address. These concerns are in the desires of all individuals and feel these issues are very important to address. Another thing this article addresses is how people with disabilities want to have a voice and want to be heard. I believe all can concur with this issue. I do feel when it comes down to presidential elections the candidate that offers more to the community is surely the candidate that is going to win. However, in my opinion several candidates make promises they don’t attend in keeping they are portraying false hope, it seems as if they forgot they were just like the rest of us before they got elected.

Caleb B.

Anonymous said...

It was really important for the candidates to really mention and go into these topics for the elections because people with disabilities also should be taken in consideration because they are also americans just like every single one of us that do not have some kind of impediment like they do!..They are very important and also vote!
-Brandon R.

Anonymous said...

I agree with Claudia P. all people should be able to soeak their opinion.in American we have the right to speak up. so this is a really good movement for people with disabilities.
monica m,

Anonymous said...

In personally agree with Arturo D's comment. I do feel everyone has the right to voice thier opinion, and should be able to do so no matter what.
Caleb B.

Anonymous said...

Yes people with disability are the largest minorities, and shall have the political voice. The laws and facilities which are bieng made avaiable for them shall be represeted by themselves. This process will ensure the real and perfect benifits to the people with disability. The representation in the legislation will create new/required laws and enctments to serve them better.

Vinod.P

Anonymous said...

I think its great how people with disabilites are voicing their opinions about the polical campaign. They are the largest minority and are not any different from everyone else in this world when it comes to voting. Everyone is entitled to vote and its great how they're all getting out there and voicing their opinions because they need to be heard. We are all equal and there is no reason why they shouldnt be heard.
Crystal M.

Anonymous said...

Whats the point of having "inalienable" rights, which are innate to all humans, yet have so many people denied their voice. It seems to me that the scales of justice and equality are not as even as many think, or want to think them to be.
Everyone has the right to be heard, and their words considered.
Joshua P.