Thursday, January 22, 2009

First Disability Inaugural Ball

National Disability Advocacy Group gathered in Washington DC on January 18th for the first Disability Power and Pride Inaugural Ball. The black-tie event celebrated President Barack Obama’s commitment to the disability community, and honored community members whose work has been influential in disability legislation and policy. The event’s spokesperson, Karen Lee says, “Obama has taken up their (people with disabilities) cause”, while Andrew Imparato, head of the American Association of People with Disabilities says, “Obama see us as part of the political landscape”. Hopes are high, and the party is on!

SOURCES
Balls for a Cause, Dresses for Less http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gBRuxctWyhmUQ1XhYtWGjXFQw3aA
Disability Community Holds First Ever Inaugural Ball http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseContent.aspx?ACCT=ind_focus.story&STORY=/www/story/01-15-2009/0004955271&EDATE=
RELATED
Videos from the Ball, from Talk Radio News:
1. http://talkradionews.com/2009/01/author-of-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-appears-at-disability-pride-ball/
2. http://talkradionews.com/2009/01/disability-activists-host-inaugural-ball/http://talkradionews.com/2009/01/disability-activists-host-inaugural-ball/

36 comments:

Anonymous said...

I think that it is great the our new president has taken these matters into consideration. There is a large amount of people with a disability and it continues to incerese to enhancing programs to help them is essential. It is great to hear that our new president is focusing on the disability community because they are people just like everyone else and they should be given the same opportunities to function in their daily living and in society.
Priscilla F.

Anonymous said...

I am so happy that the president has done this,they are human and they deserve to function on day to day happenings of life, i think it is a good that president Obama did not forget the people with disability they need to have a normal life like everyone, and they should be giving every opportunity to do so

Anonymous said...

I am so happy that the president has done this,they are human and they deserve to function on day to day happenings of life, i think it is a good that president Obama did not forget the people with disability they need to have a normal life like everyone, and they should be giving every opportunity to do so.
Anthonia F.

Anonymous said...

I’m glad that President Barack Obama is committed to help the disability community by allowing their rights to be heard. I think this will allow the disability rights movement to expand services for individuals with a disability community. They are part of our society and must be treated as equal. Hurray, for President Obama on his quest for equal rights in the disability community.

Alicia S.

CrYsTaL E. said...

First of all, it is really great the Obama won and is our new president, I am really excited for our country. It is also really exciting that he is showing his support for people with disabilities. I think that he will make a difference for people with disabilities and I know he will do great things. I can't wait to see what he has planned and what his plans are for the future in disabliity. I am particularly interested in what he will do for the Deaf community. There are so many injustices that occur on a daily basis because of the simple lack of an interpreter for a person who is Deaf. Awareness of the Deaf community really needs to be spread because this is why many injustices are happening. It is a lack of knowledge about people who are Deaf that is leading to this.

Anonymous said...

It is definitely great to here that different Disability organizations had hosted such a great event. President Obama's commencement was a great thing and the start of better changes in our country. Starting this event with our new president I believe sure gave the disability community hope and happiness. What an honor to have been there, I whish I could have gone. Being that there are many people with disabilities in our country, I feel that this ball sure made them feel special and not forgotten.
Erica P.

Anonymous said...

It is definitely great to here that different Disability organizations had hosted such a great event. President Obama's commencement was a great thing and the start of better changes in our country. Starting this event with our new president I believe sure gave the disability community hope and happiness. What an honor to have been there, I whish I could have gone. Being that there are many people with disabilities in our country, I feel that this ball sure made them feel special and not forgotten.
Erica P.

maria v said...

Congratulations to the new President and his family! Great news to hear about the "First Disabililty Inaguaral Ball" . I am ceratin that before this one there were others it is just now that the media is recognizing it publically. Everone should come together and celebrate such a great moment in history under one roof....

Anonymous said...

I am so happy that our new President sees those with disabilities as part of the political process. Because they are, just because they have a disability of some sort does not mean they shouldnt or dont have a voice in what happens in the world. This great everyone should be treated equally and this group of people need to feel that there voices will be heard with our new President. Everyone who has something so say or contribute to the political world needs to be able to have the opportunity to do as they please. I am so glad that Obama is taking interest for those who are living with disabilities. To me this is important, due to the fact that I myself am living with a disability though not as severe as others but I know what its like; I have a spinal cord injury and after reading this article made me happy and glad my vote helped in some way elect Obama for this next term.

Victoria G.

Anonymous said...

I am glad to know that our new President shows sincere interest in improving programs for the disability community. I am looking forward to see the progress for the future.

Anonymous said...

It is amazing how quick we have seen a difference within a few hours of Obama's Presidency. It is a great feeling knowing that President Obama is including people with disabilities and hope in the disability community has most definiately increased.
Lizette G.
Case Management I

Anonymous said...

It's wonderful to see that Obama has already made such a difference in people's lives, especially in the disability community. I'm sure our new President will keep his commitment them and it's going to be interesting to see the transformation he will make so that the disabled can continue to live their lives as normal as possible.

Diana A. - Case Management I

Anonymous said...

its really great to hear that president obama has decided to help people wth disablities.not many people do much to help them out when we shoule be reaching out to them because it its difficult for them at times to function with their disability.they are people just like us so we shouldnt shun them out of society.they need as much oppurtunity as we do to function well in life and live happy.

Anonymous said...

It is a great opportunity for people with a disability to be taken into consideration. Especially with our new president .I hope that more programs are made so students like many of us that are majoring in rehab have opportunities to become involved in what we love.

Elizabeth M.

Anonymous said...

I'm very glad to see not just words be spoken from our new president, but actions being showed. It is great that he has taken people with disabilitis into consideration, they too partake in this world, help shape it everyday and are as equal as everyone else.
Janet S.

Anonymous said...

Such an event bring the new expectations to the eye and goals of the people. An action like this can make a difference for people with disabilities. One as well sees President Barack Obama’s commitment to the disability community. Fighting to change this nation so everyone can have equal rights.

Jessica A. M

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad that president Obama has stepped up to the plate and taken control because people with disabilities need to have proper help to better themselves and the people that surround them will also benefit. Having this ball is a great start for this cause and its a sign of great things to come.

Eliazet G

Anonymous said...

I am glad to know that President Barrack Obama is taking steps toward progress regarding people with dissablities. The community will undoubtedly grow stronger. The movement towards more services and social awareness is great!
Tapitha L.

Anonymous said...

As I’ve always thought that it was time for a drastic change in our governing system and law. I honestly think President Barack Obama is going to bring that change that everyone is expecting. I never new that Michelle Obama’s father had Multiple Sclerosis that is something new I learn but this helps to understand why Barack Obama has a positive view of disability. I think this explains why he doing things to improve the Rehabilitation Program.
~Violet M~

Anonymous said...

One of the reasons Obama has so much support, is that he is able to show his support to people who have, unfortunatley, been neglected by our politicians in the past. It is heartwarming to see that he is committing to make changes for everyone, and that he is not overlooking such an important population, people with disabilities, and has already gained the support from them that will allow him to make educated decisions as to what to change. Events like this one, can maybe unite other politicians to the cause.

Anonymous said...

One of the reasons Obama has so much support, is that he is able to show his support to people who have, unfortunatley, been neglected by our politicians in the past. It is heartwarming to see that he is committing to make changes for everyone, and that he is not overlooking such an important population, people with disabilities, and has already gained the support from them that will allow him to make educated decisions as to what to change. Events like this one, can maybe unite other politicians to the cause.
-Leivy S. Resendiz

Anonymous said...

To me it’s wonderful to see that the voice of the people with disabilities has been heard and it is also satisfying t know that people with the vocation to teaches and helps people with disabilities cope with the barriers they experience in their lives. It is also satisfactory to know that people that commit their own lives to advocate for the people with disabilities does exist.
Esly B.

Anonymous said...

I'm glad to see that our new president is up for the challenge and that he is ready to fight for what he believes in. Ready to help people who have a disability. In the blog it says that Obama sees us as part of the political landscape I'm guessing that he has seen that nobody has taken these people seriously and that nobody has really tried to put the effort into helping our this community. it is not that the president feels bad for them or has pity on them it is that he knows right from wrong and knows that people with disabilities have been left in the dark for quite some time and he wants to help in any way possible, to be able to change their lives and maybe even the way they are perceived.

Anonymous said...

I'm glad to see that our new president is up for the challenge and that he is ready to fight for what he believes in. Ready to help people who have a disability. In the blog it says that Obama sees us as part of the political landscape I'm guessing that he has seen that nobody has taken these people seriously and that nobody has really tried to put the effort into helping our this community. it is not that the president feels bad for them or has pity on them it is that he knows right from wrong and knows that people with disabilities have been left in the dark for quite some time and he wants to help in any way possible, to be able to change their lives and maybe even the way they are perceived.
R. Hernandez
sorry did it again forgot to put my name so i had to make two copies.

Anonymous said...

The first disability inaugural ball was something that should of happened years before by other presidents but thanks to our new president Barack Obama’s commitment to the disability community its finally been done. The future with the new president gives me hope as well as Andrew Imparato does states in the article. I look forward on all the great things to come for the National Disability Advocacy Group.
laura.C

Anonymous said...

It is good to know that in the little time President Obama has been running office, some good outlooks have been foreseen for people with disabilities already. Even if it is a ball but it has them included into a great historical event and gives them a feel of what could be in store for the future. They have the support people with disabilities need and especially being that of the President of the United States! What a great start Obama!
Crystal S.

TraceyP said...

Its awesome that the President is think of others, especially people with disabilities. Its also great that this President shows he cares through this "first Disability Power and Pride" inaugural Ball. If its the first then we should hope that they make it into an event that happens more than just one. I really do hope that this President keeps his word and continues to support programs for persons with disabilities!

Anonymous said...

I think that is a great way for the new adminstration of the white house, to present themselves as doing good benefits that will help the people with disabilites and diabilites services. It is wonderful benefit that President Obama is thinking about the disablites services and he depends on them as well.
Vanessa G.

Anonymous said...

I believe that what President Barack Obama is doing about the people with disabilities is great. I also believe that this Disability Power and Pride Inaugural Ball really show that the President Obama is aware of the fact that they are a community of people that should be taken into consideration and that play a role in todays society. Hopefully this ball is the beginning to disability legislation and policy.
Brenda Hernandez Case Management I

Anonymous said...

I feel great about the president by doing this, It looks very good on him. The president made them feel very important, because everyone is equal or better than some people.he put smiles on everybody's faces.

Alberto

Anonymous said...

i am grateful to have Obama as the president. it is great that he has taken this issue into consideration because we have many pwd out there that need our help and support. there are many treatment programs and strategies that can be develop to improve the lives of those with disabilities. having the support of our president is a good start.
jacklyn g.

Anonymous said...

I think that president Barack Obama is doing good in considering more services to people with disabilities. He is one of the few presidents besides Kennedy that has helped people with disabilities. I am very happy that things are changing for good because i definately believe in equal rights.

Anonymous said...

I really think Obama is going to change everything for the best. I really think that he’s a good guy and is going to do great things in his term of office. I am very glad to hear him considering people with disability because hey they are people like us and they deserve to be treated the same I see no difference.

Krystal R.

Anonymous said...

It is always great to see our president interested in the disability issue. There are many people with disabilities and it keeps increasing. Opportunities for people with disabilities are on the rise.
Y. Torres

Anonymous said...

Well what can I say I voted for President Obama and it was a great decision. He has lots of hopes and dreams for this country and people are starting to have faith again. It is wonderful to see a President who cares about people and understands that the decisions he makes changes a country and not just a party. It is awesome to know that our President is speaking loud and clear for PWD's faith is slowly starting to be restored.
Aaron G.

Unknown said...

This is why I voted for Barack Obama. He is able to recognize the importance in diversity issues and is a leader that will continue to make the way for IWD to be able to prosper. He should be applauded for his commitment and like any other political figure be held accountable to make good on his promises throughout his term.