The American Association for People with Disabilities (AAPD) reports on the four core themes of President Barack Obama’s Plan to Empower Americans with Disabilities:
- Providing Americans with Disabilities Educational Opportunities including full federal funding for IDEA, improving college opportunities, and improving transition
- Ending Discrimination and Promoting Equality of Opportunity for People with Disabilities by implementing the ADA Amendments Act and Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act, judicial appointments, increasing enforcement funding, and by improving access to health care, including mental health care
- Increasing the Employment Rate of Workers with Disabilities by improving federal hiring and federal contractor hiring, creating a national commission to look at Social Security work disincentives, and by promoting workplace flexibility
- Supporting Independent, Community-based Living for Americans with Disabilities by passing Community Choice Act and CLASS Act, implementing the Olmstead decision, protecting voting rights, fixing Medicare "homebound" rules, improving access to technology, and by strengthening the VA
Early in his campaign, Barack Obama responded to an AAPD questionnaire developed and submitted with the National Council on Independent Living, ADAPT, and Self Advocates Becoming Empowered. Obama will have a full-time Assistant to the President for Disability Policy in the White House Domestic Policy Council to carry out his disability Plan.
To work with President-Elect Obama on disability-related concerns during his transition and in his administration, AAPD is creating a talent bank of interested AAPD members. Send Resumes to resumes@aapd.com.
55 comments:
Obviously, many believe we must "wait and see" what will develop as a result of the change in the political climate. However, we are to decide whether we only wait and see or become active in the political process. This can be done most effectively by becoming active in the legislative process. Advocating for legislation that will elevate the status of disability in our area, state or nation is a very worthwhile and rewarding experience. One "perk" is when one realizes they can play an important part is this process and as a result cause change for the better. It is not difficult nor time consuming but does require a committment. The Texas Rehab Association is one way to become a part of this process...come join us and make your voice heard...at times other than election day...
V-bar-m
Well, it sounds too good to be true. Just by improving healthcare would be a great step. Having him increase the employment rate of workers with disabilities would also be great. But, how is he going to do this when people with disabilities are getting laid-off because of the economy being was it is right now. Is he trying to boost the economy by giving everyone hopes? Sometimes words are stronger when there is the action to back it up. It would be great if he does do this because there would be more jobs for us future Rehab Counselors.
Angie K.
Obamas "plan to empower americans with disablilites" seems bright...but we all know presidents always say things through their campaign in order to win votes. hopefully this wasnt one of them but i do agree with the other anonymous comment...improving healthcare alone would be a great step but can he go beyond that step to improve the disability scene for all? including the disabled and those working with them?
-Gary G.
Well I am glad that out President-Elect Barack Obama is mentioning all this good things about people with disabilities and all the new opportunities. However, we still need to wait and see what really happens. I think he needs to start by balancing our economy and from there things may began to work better. Obama is certainly taking a lot of responsibility and certainly he is promising too many things, now we can only hope that all of them come true. I hope these great propositions become real and don’t stay in promises. Improving the job market for people with disabilities would have a positive impact since they’re a lot of need of jobs and awareness of the capabilities of people with disabilities.
Mariana GG
Although I like President-Elect Barack Obama, it is difficult to believe that all these things are going to be implemented during his presidency. While I suppose it is somewhat un-American to be skeptical and unsure of a President's plans, it is also what previous President's have caused Americans to develop. Everything in Barack Obama's plan to empower Americans with Disabilities sounds great, but how long will it take, and then will it even happen? As we've learned, many laws can be implemented, but often times there is a little change or improvement, but not substansial leaps. I hope that Barack Obama can prove us wrong and that improvements in Education, health care benefits, employment, Independent Living, etc., will take place soon and I hope we will see a huge improvement in these areas for people with disabilities.
Laura E.
Angie makes a great observation. The loss of jobs a this point in the economic life of this country makes it seem rather unlikly that the President Elect will have much success in reducing the unemployment rate of persons with disabilities while the unemployment rate of the able bodied population is increasing. His campaign was based on hope with very little specific action attached to the hope. Now we shall see if all there was to the campaign was rhetoric or will there be action. After January the action is on his shoulders as Bush will not be around to blame. Russell A. 12 of 12
Obama is walking and talking in the right ways to get the people behaind him. He is already president and now he wants to give more power to americans with disabilities. Man he can do it all. He is going to do this country some good. We can also do our part to help out by supporting the Texas Rehab Association. That is just one way to get the ball moving. There are plenty of other ways to let your voice be heard and its about time someone hears it. Arturo D
As a self-proclaimed optimist, I definitely believe that President-Elect Barack Obama will make good on his plan to “Empower Americans with Disabilities”, and the fact that Obama will have a full-time Assistant to the President for Disability Policy in the White House Domestic Policy Council to carry out his disability Plan should give credence to his intentions. I also think it is pretty neat that the American Association for People with Disabilities (AAPD) is creating a talent bank of interested AAPD members to work with President-Elect Obama on disability-related concerns during his transition and in his administration. I do understand, however, that past Presidents have made “empty promises” to the American masses regarding such topics and others, but I definitely feel that Obama is sincere. I believe that the fact that he is a minority and the fact that individuals with disabilities are, as well, minorities should make Obama cognizant of his promises.
Matthew V.
Its a little early to be saying about the new president "You say it but you don't mean it." It is a good sign that the President Elect is looking for a full time aide to work on disability issues both in his administration. There are three things I would look for in his developing administration: (1) does he appoint an aide who has access to him. Previous administrations have appointed people to please special interests, and then ignored the work of the person they appointed
(2) how much does the administration spend on disability issues and (3) will the new president appoint somebody to his cabinet who has an clear disability? Appointing somebody with a disability might be looked upon as a gimmick, and would backfire if they were not qualified to do the job. I am confident the President can find a number of talented people who have a disabliity to appoint to the cabinet or subcabinet level. Their example would go a long way toward the message that people with disabilities can do the same jobs, and are entitled to the same chances. The new President should use this opportunity to dispel similar prejudices against people with disabilities.
DavidW 11th blog
Its hard for me to say that the new President really wants to help people with disabilities because he concentrates a lot in Money. He has good plans, good ideas, but he is promessing so many things that is hard to belive until we really see it. I'm glad the country understands more people with disabilities and make them feel they are part of the community like everyone, before it wasnt like that..
Claudia P.
Obama’s plan with people with disabilities, I agree this does sound really good. So, is it true? He reported he wants to improve hiring. Yes this means more jobs even for Rehab counselors but how is he going to do this? Right now the economy is down and must people are struggle. There are non-profit organizations such as Goodwill that are struggling to provide the quality services due to the amount of people with disabilities that want to work and are pending employment opportunities because most people are not hiring. So, then what happen? If there were more funds, the store could hire more staff. Hence, provide more quality services to an abundant amount of people. But where does one start?
Monica M.
I think what our President is trying to do is great. And yes many Presidents say things and dont come through with it after being elected, but i feel that with the right help Obama can make this possible. Yes we can wait and see if he comes through with his promises but we must still remember he is only one man and need our help and the governments help to make this possible. I am grateful that Obama came up with such a good plan but now he needs us to back him up and make it possible.
I think Obama's plans to help people with disabilities sounds good but, he seems to be making so many promises which I doubt he will keep. His intention is well and if he follows out with his plan so many people will benefit. I think that having a job market open for people with disabilities would definitely help our economy. Even though I am skeptical about this topic I really hope Our new president goes through with all his promises to better our economy. Noelia B.
I dont about this one, it seems to good to be true. Then again what dont president say to win votes, it would be something great for people with disabilites, but it is just something we will just have to wait and see.
Raquel M
Its good to see how much Obama is interested in people with disabilities. I hope he not only says but does. We can also help by advocating in what we believe in. Especially if we are getting a major under Rehab.
Annette
I think this is a great plan and will help people with disabilites a lot. It does seem pretty early to say its going to succeed or continue. We will just have to wait and see and hopefully he keeps his promises and plans.
Andrea V.
Obama's plan seems great and it's nice to hear that people with disabilities and their well being are also a concern to him. We do have to realize that it is still too early to say that his plan is for sure because anything can happen, but I sure hope his plan does work out and is of great benefit to PWD. I sure hope Obama keeps all his promises made to help the country and the people.
Rosario G.
Usually when there is a presidential complain, voters have certain expectations of the presidential candidates. This year one of the main focus for voters is on their positions for reducing the cost of health care and health insurance and increasing coverage to the uninsured Americans. An individual, whose health is impacted by a disability, has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, or is regarded as having impairment would also be impacted by president Obama’s plan. This plan seems promising for people with disabilities. However, I have to agree with some of my classmates. Presidents often promise, yet, not always go thru with the promise. It would be a great accomplishment for Obama if he is successful with his plan. What I see that is of comfort is that he actually has someone appointed to work with and assist him with disability-related concerns. As well as having a full-time person and assistant to him that can focus on the issues that Obama himself isn’t aware of and can do further research for him.
Janneth A.
I Really hope that our President-Elect Barack Obama follows through with his plans to "Empower Americans with Disabilities" because they seem like a great plan. I believe this will help the economy as well. We will have to see what ends up happening, but hopefully he does make many changes for people who have disabilities. Improving our job market would bring about an awarness for people with disabilities.
Stephanie P
This for some reason sounds like it will take a lot of work to accomplish. It is awesome to hear that one of the first things that the president elect is working on is item addressing people with disabilities. To give full funding to IDEA, improving college opportunities, improving access to health care, including mental health care, increasing the employment rate of workers with disabilities by improving federal hiring and federal contractor hiring, just to name a few on the long list sounds like a massive task to accomplish. I hope that Obama and his full-time assistant to the President for Disability Policy in the White House Domestic Policy Council will be able to carry out his disability Plan. This will show so much for his administration if these items are actually addressed. The reason I say this is because at this time we see the action taking place, but only time can tell what will actually be done.
James D.
The detailed plan given by "Obama" to empower Americans with disabilitiesis really great. and shows his positiveness and ability to take with him the msaaes. This positive and detailed attitute of him makes me very hopefull regarding the success of the implimentation of the ADA, as detailed in 4 points plan.
puri v
Obama's "Plan to empower Americans with Disabilities" sounds great but we have to wait and see if he can make good on his word. Well, one positive thing, he is advocating for the disabled community. But I still question whether he is being sincere or just a politic tactic. Wanting to amend the Disabilty's Act is a positive and strong statement. I agree, he first needs to focus on our economy and then the rest of his plans will follow. We have to ask how can there be any Rehabilitation jobs without good economy. Oh well, guess we will just have to wait and see...If he does keep his word then Great!! I will have an open mind, do not give up hope and be optimistic.Igarza
Obama's plan gives hopes to everyone, because the need for reform is enormous. I hope his plans are able to make some changes in the Special Education area, because the inclusion program has a great objective for the children with disabilities, yet teacher are not being train properly on how to work with students with special needs, and I am afraid that the inclusion may be more harmful than beneficiary to these children. The education is the basis for success of everyone, and the greatest armor we can give to children with disabilites.
F. Yee
Of the 4 core Obama plan to assist individuals with disabilities I really am interested and supporting the fact that individuals have the right to live independently in a community based setting of his or her choice. working for the center for independent living, cetner for inddependent living had a DADS grant for a few years assisting individuals with disabilities transition from nursing homes to the community. for two years I had the title of relocation specialist aasisting with transition from instituion. I am happy to say that within those two years I assisted in relocotaing about 60 individuals from nursing home facilities to a community based setting. To this day 95 percent of those individuals are still living in the community or have passed on. Say No to Institutions! The secong plan to fully ferally support IDEA is much needed. To many families having a difficult time with school districts providing and implementing the proper needs of our youth. Having IDEA fully federally fundeded gives schools no excuses to sccesfully transtion our youth from High School to community and poviding the necessary tools to succeed in the real world.
Of the 4 core Obama plan to assist individuals with disabilities I really am interested and supporting the fact that individuals have the right to live independently in a community based setting of his or her choice. working for the center for independent living, cetner for inddependent living had a DADS grant for a few years assisting individuals with disabilities transition from nursing homes to the community. for two years I had the title of relocation specialist aasisting with transition from instituion. I am happy to say that within those two years I assisted in relocotaing about 60 individuals from nursing home facilities to a community based setting. To this day 95 percent of those individuals are still living in the community or have passed on. Say No to Institutions! The secong plan to fully ferally support IDEA is much needed. To many families having a difficult time with school districts providing and implementing the proper needs of our youth. Having IDEA fully federally fundeded gives schools no excuses to sccesfully transtion our youth from High School to community and poviding the necessary tools to succeed in the real world.
Emede R
Everyone is taking a "wait and see" attitude. That is probably good. I hope that Obama does not take the attitude that people with disabilitieswill get more jobs when the economy improves. That is the "rising tide raises all boats" theory of economics that Republicans have advanced to justify doing nothing specific for people wih diasabilities. The new president needs to target specific jobs for people with disabilities.
Davidw reaction
I agree with some of you. My question always goes to Macroeconomics; where is he going to get the funding for all of these? Practical math says that in order to add somewhere, you have to subtract somewhere else. Even though all his goals seem good and somewhat impossible I believe that it lays the foundation for further change. Paty C.
Obama’s plan to improve the health care is a great idea. I only hope that it does not stay an idea and actually gets implemented. This would be a great thing because I know that I am one of the many who has no health care because I do not qualify for any benefits the way the system is set up right now. I know that people with disabilities will be excited to see this change as well. Not only that he is going to try and save the economy which is or has been greatly effected due to the past president. I hope that all the promises he is making do take effect in the world and do not stay as simple words that helped him get elected because that would not be good at all. People with disabilities just might get a chance to actually improve the workplace and show what they have to offer because they have been waiting for a long time.
-anisa c
I think this is pretty cool what President Barack Obama plans to do for people who have disabilities. I only hope he follows through and not just be making broken promises. He is really working to make persons with disabilities independent and that is what we need more funding for this to be possible. By helping with the educational barriers he is opening up more opportunities for person with disabilities. Education is the most important tool in a person’s life. The more you know about something the more money you get. This will also lead to having fewer people receiving a disability check. I also like the fact that he supports community-based living and supported living.
Crystal S.
12 of 12
I knew when I heard him speak November 4 that he was going to do good things for people with disabilities. Well, at least I hope. Like any other president he has many levels to go through before anything gets passed. However, we do have a democratic run house and senate that red tape may be easier to cut through than thought. I am just hoping that this time it is not another politician talking the talk. It would be truly wonderful to see these acts passed. It not only would benefit present people with disabilities, but future, including some of us. I am looking forward to seeing what will come of this. Celena M
In consideration to what Obama stated if what he said is going to happen then this is very rewarding news to all especially to individuals with disabilities. I feel the topics he discussed are of great importance. I personally feel by Obama addressing the issues of individuals with disabilities is going to assist him in gaining several votes for presidency. Hopefully, Obama is a man of his word and does do by what he says. If he does then there is hope and vast improvement for the future of all.
Caleb B.
I believe that what Obama has planned for PWD is extremley great, but I just kind of question if he is able to do all of it as he wants to. I really hope he can because I think it would really help out PWD and would have many advantages to it. I guess we will have to just wait and see what happens, and hope that he can get it all done.
-Cristina Lo.
Hey Angie don't worry about Obummer's hot air, he's just blowing smoke up everyone's you-know-what. There will always be plenty of jobs for us Rehab. Councelors. We have transferable skills, remember? We have a whole bunch of transferable skills so count your blessings - I do.
Diana F.
Hey Laura who told you that it is "un-American to be skeptical and unsure of a President's plans"? How very American it is to question the president's motives. That is your voice as an American citizen. You have a right to state your opinions and your voice - how very American that is. What a privilege to be able to speak out against or for anything you believe is correct and righteous.
I am totally against president elect Obama and I question all of his motives even when he becomes president. I still question his credentials.
Diana F.
It's a good idea that Obama wants to empower people with disabilities, realistically we can not say that he will follow through with it we can only hope and if that does happen, it would be a major step in the right direction of where this country needs to be moving giving everyone the oppurtunity to work a and be treated equally.
Jessica M.
Not being on the Obama boat myself, and having a wait and see attitude to his whole term while in office, Obama's views on everything from health care, rights the disabled, and even war time thoughts leave me something to be excited over. I myself viewing Obama as the inversion of Bush in the eye of the public, with a silver tong, and lacking insight into any substance outside of what I have viewed as an elitist attictued to his social and political position has been something of a marvale. Obama's stance on rehab is just like his stance in anything else political to me....I will wait and see and judge him on his merits not his words...
Chris W.
11 of 12
Everything mentioned that Obama plans to do to help out people with disabilities sounds excellent. I just hope that he remains loyal to his promises and doesnt forget what he stated would do! This would provide a even bigger opportunity for people with disabilities to carry on with as close to a regular life as possible making them not only just take from the funds but also imput to society, by getting an education which proceeds to getting a job or actually having a career and not just a job and finally paying taxes which would imput money back into the U.S. funds for themselves or for other uses!
-Brandon R.
I believe that Obama's "Plan to Empower Americans with Disabilities" is actually a very good one. If all these promises become actions people with disabilities will give a great step in their rehabilitation. Hopefully Obama will do something about it and will increase the employment rate and improve health care services as he said he would.
Karen L.
Of course it will be hard to improve the many problems that this nation is facing, however its good to know that president elecl Obama will try to fix the problems that this nation is helping and he keeps in mind to help with people with disabilities giving them hope that he will help. Hopefully he will actually complete what he has said he will do.
Omar O
Very good point Angie. How could that be possible with all that is going on. But I will share something, Thanks to whoever is reszponsible for lowering gas prices.
-Elizabeth H.
There are changes in Obama’s plan that reminds me of things I have learned in class this semester. The work incentives do need to be looked at in order for the employment rate to rise for persons with disabilities. This approach will serve not people with disabilities but society as a whole will also benefit because of the decrease of taxes for persons with disabilities. I say that it does sound like it is too good to be true but only time will tell that. It is pleasant to hear that Obama seems to have an interest in reshaping the lives for persons with disabilities. Good points are being made but hey it is only writing! We cannot say anything about what is to be done because it is only the beginning. I think that Obama really needs to spend plenty of time with people who are disable in order for him to see what some of the issues are.
-Elizabeth H.
There had been an earlier post in which Obama had mentioned PWD and because of this I felt that he would pay close attention to PWD. However at the same time I wondered if he would follow through once he was in office. Although he isnt there yet I am glad that he has maintained his stance on promoting rights for PWD. There are many flaws in the laws that should be protecting them and I am glad that our President-elect shows concern in making a change and reforming these laws.
Diana m.b.
Lets just say that a new president and new ideas that may or may not help America... lets just hope for the best... i am loking foward to Obamas plans, they sound good and maybe we will see new change since we finally got a colored person as president then i think change is going to happen!
CArmen G.
Reading Anisa’s blog on Obama’s plan to empower Americans with disabilities, I can agree that some of his ideas are great for improving heath care, as long as those ideas actually get implemented. Juan N.
I am really looking forward to see what President Obama is going to do for people with disabilites. I am happy and hope he is a man of his word and makes people change for the better. President Obama has made alot of promises and we do need a change the way society view people with disabilites.
Jennifer G.
Although there are many other problems going on in our world with the economy, it's nice to know and hope that this is one issue that he plans to better. It gives people with disablities hope that they will be living it a better place with much more respect. I hope this is not just another issue he just plans to talk about it once and never speak of again, I hope this is one he makes better for all people with disabilities.
Although there are many other problems going on in our world with the economy, it's nice to know and hope that this is one issue that he plans to better. It gives people with disablities hope that they will be living it a better place with much more respect. I hope this is not just another issue he just plans to talk about it once and never speak of again, I hope this is one he makes better for all people with disabilities.
oops i forgot to put my name on the last one so i pasted it again :)
Sabrina D.
I could be wrong, but at least as far as I can remember, I have never seen a President-elect move so fast and work so hard before his inauguration. With all the pressing problems due to the economy he is preparing with a strong cabinet to help him get off to a good start. The plan to empower Americans with Disabilities though it may seem like an empty political promise is likely to be a firm commitment to help ALL Americans. We are all in this together. If we can WORK together we can succeed.
Sylvia S.
Its great to hear all the plans president elect Obama has for PWD. However like many have said "its to good to be true" but all we can do is wait to see if he pulls through. If he does it will be another great step for PWD.
Alex S
Now as Obama is going to take office soon, we will see exactly what he plans to do and if his plans follow through.Early on during his campaign Obama was very vocal in his plan to "empower Americans with Disabilities"; he made it quite clear what his plans were and just how he planned on doing them. This would help our people with disabilities a great day and by doing so help our culture understand the importance of helping their fellow Americans with disabilities. Overall i believe Obama's plan could work with the proper leadership and of course the proper support from our government I also think it is great that he will assign a full time assistant to help the President for Disability policy in the white house domestic policy council!
Stephanie P
Personally, I think that Obama will doa good job during his government, and also, will help people with disabilities and those that belong to a low-class. But ofcopurse, we have to wait and see the results in a matter of time, because I do not think that this is his primarily job, I think that we should be focus on other things too.
Personally, I think that Obama will doa good job during his government, and also, will help people with disabilities and those that belong to a low-class. But ofcopurse, we have to wait and see the results in a matter of time, because I do not think that this is his primarily job, I think that we should be focus on other things too.
Emma C.
Well, well, well now there he goes! He is trying to change this country, little by little and one big way i think is through reaching out to those who aren't much noticed, reason for their rights fights. Providing educational opportunities, increasing employment, healthcare for mental health, moving towards independent living, nice! He is getting to it!
Crystal O.
All of this sound great, but we have to wait and see. All the four themes President Barack Obama has introduced are great for people with disabilities. Today many pwd do not have the equal rights they deserve and it would be wonderful for every person to have equal rights. Many people with disabilaties have a hard time geting health care and if all this is done it would be great for pwd since they are going to get health care coverage. What I also think in great is the improvement of employment rate for pwd, this will not only be good for the person but for his/her family as well. I really hope everything gets done because it would help many people with disabilities!
Alejandrina T.
i am really glad to hear about Obamas plan. its good to hear that he is looking out for people with disabilities and also their families. his plan is not going to be easy but i am glad that he is going to try and at least make an effort.
Arlene L.
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