From the American Association of People with Disabilities Newsletter, and contributed by the New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services:
Two Prominent Members of the Disability Community will Serve as Special Advisors to the President
At the Disability Pride and Power pre-Inaugural ball, it was announced that Kareem Dale would become a Special Advisor to President Obama on disability issues. We heard later that noted expert in Disability Studies Paul Steven Miller would be playing a role in helping the Obama Administration to ensure that people with disabilities will be well represented in positions within the Administration. Tony Coelho, former United States congressman from California, primary author and sponsor of the Americans with Disabilities Act, current chair of the Epilepsy Foundation's national board of directors and a lead organizer of the Ball is also playing an active role in advancing disability interests and hires within the Administration. Finally, note that the new Chief of Staff to the Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Relations and Public Liaison Michael Strautmanis is known to be very sensitive to disability issues, as referenced in a Washington Post Op Ed he authored last year.
32 comments:
Well it is really exciting to see that they will be representing people with disabilities. I think that President Obama will address issues that people with disabilities face. I think that he will bring change for them and will make a difference. I am really excited to have him as our president and I feel a sense of relief about him winning. It feels like now hopefully he can fix things in our country and bring some of our troops back. My brother-in-law is in the Navy and served in Afganistan for 18 months and that was really hard on my sister and her three kids. He is back and safe now but I know he has seen alot over there. I'm glad we have a new president.
I think having two advisors that are members of organizations made for people with disabilities will be of a great benefit to the president. These two persons are well informed about different disabilities and about people with one. They can both provide essential information to the president and educate him more efficiently on this topic. Disability issues will be more focused on and a greater quantity of better care and facilities will be provided. Priscilla F.
This is great news for the disability community, having key players like Dale, Miller, and Strautmanis involved with this new administration can only bring great things back to the disability community. With our new president Barrack Obama spreading the message of change and what he has done so far in creating this diverse administration cabinet surely shows the promise and direction of true change for the American people. Being able to have someone so close to the president with concerns about Americans living with disabilities can and will have a great impact for those affected by disability. Hopefully with this message of change and having close members to the administration of the president representing disability issues can have a profound impact on how concerns related to disability are handled. We can only anticipate that this will help in expediting new and existing claims to disability, ensure better methods of qualifying for disability, and ensure the rights of individuals living with disability. If there is a time and an administration for all of these changes to occur, this would most definitely be the one to make it happen. Juan N. 1 of 4
I am so happy that the U.S will be doing more about helping people with disabilities and representing them in a broader way. This White House Staff will do a lot more for PWD and will help make better adjustments and accomodations for them. The President asid there will be change we believe in so I'm expecting him to do many things for PWD and help this country out a lot especially for PWD. He has already started by having a couple of advisors as members of his organization.
It is great to hear that President Obama is advocating for Disability issues. Reading that he has appointed two prominent members to the Disability community is a positive move in the right direction. “Change is coming!” I remember President Obama mentioning the Disabled community in his speech right after winning the election and I am so pleased that he is subsequent with his word. Hearing that two experienced individuals will be advisors to the President is exciting to hear especially for the disabled community. Now they can actually voice their opinions and know that it is going to be heard. Having experienced individuals who know what to advocate for is what the disabled community needs. Maybe by having Dale and Miller as advisors there will be more opportunity for the disabled community in regards to employment and better technology. This could be the beginning of a very promising and enlightened future. Imelda G. 1 of 4
I believe it is an awesome idea that president Obama came up with. Having these advisors with prior knowledge over disabilities will really give him the edge on the decision making he will have to do the next four years. It is good that he is considerate of all the people of the nation.And two is always better than one.
-Francisco N._
ITs great that our new president Obama cares about the people with disabilities.There are many few presidents such as Kenendy and Obama that actually care and do something to help out.
We know have people such as Kareem Dale and Paul Steven Miller to represent our people.The Disability Pride and Power pre-Inaugural balle was a great way of announcing all exciting events that we will soon look forward to.
Elizabeth M.
It is so exciting to have President Obama doing his part in assuring that all people including persons with disabilities are fully represented even at the White House. It seems that President Obama is doing exactly as he promised which was to bring "change" to the administration and this country! And may I add that it is a much needed change way long overdue! Persons with disabilites have the right to be heard and represented in order for change to occur, and now I feel that it will definetly happen with these new leaders that have been appointed. I think that having Dale as a special advisor to President Obama for disability issues will contribute to a whole lot of positive changes for persons with disabilities in regards to empowering them to reach for jobs that once seemed unatainable. It's great to hear that President Obama has appointed so many experts, such as Tony Coelho that brought so much change already with the Disabilities Act. I can only imagine what other changes he will bring now that he has a role in the Obama administration.
-Anabel Ponce
It is certainly a time for change. It is very exciting to see that in this time of political and social change, the population with disabilities is not being left behind. It seems that good thought was given in choosing advisors on disability issues and that with this step, it would be impossible not to have a positive change, since these advisors are highly involved and know the issues faced by Americans with disabilities. Perhaps this will bring on a new wave of awareness on issues faced by people with disabilities, and I can only be glad that this time, there will be someone to listen to them that can rely on the experience and knowledge of these new advisors to make a difference.
-Leivy S. Resendiz
I think that having two members representing people with disabilities is an excellent idea since this can bring benefits to the community. President Obama will be more informed about issues with disabilities and will probability create more programs for people with disabilities. Also, the topic of people with disabilities will be more expand among the community and they will be better informed and educated about it.
Ivette
I think that this is so great to give a louder voice to individuals with disabilities. I think that with the election of President Obama the country is on a complete movement of change in a positive way and the appointment of all these experts from the Rehabilitation field is a direct example of that. Especially Mr. Coelho the primary author and sponsor of the Americans with Disabilities Act. I think his appointment was a bullseye and I am glad to see that he is taking an active role in advancing disability interests in the administration.
Pedro Castaneda III
That is some fantastic news. Yet, I am confused....shouldn't the title say Two Leaders with disability to Serve White House?
S.L.
Well thats great that two people with disabilties are in the White House. Maybe they can give more input with people with disabilties. And hopefully make more people aware of the different disabiltiy organizations that are around the United States.
Leah M.
The president did the right thing by having two people with disability, that will be representing people with disability and as advisors, I think the president will be well informed on the need of people with disability,Having people who are experienced will be of help to actually voice their opinions and know that it is going to be heard.
Anthonia F.
I think that President Obama made a very good choice to appoint people like Kareem Dale and Paul Steven Miller to represent people with disabilities. Not only will President Obama will be well educated on the subject but the disability community will have a much stronger voice at the White House.
Joana J.
I think that is a very promising sign for change.that two advisors will represent people with disabilities and be able to have someone close to the president with concerns about Americans living with disabilities can and will have a great impact.I also this think this will finally give everyone a sense of equal rights, meaning that individuals with disability will not be alone they have others fight to protect their rights.
~ Violet M ~
Wow, I'm so amazed at this and extremely happy, that the president is focusing on disability issues, that he is taking this matter very seriously and hiring people who will help him make great decisions. Many people have waited this long, and for so many years that they will be glad to see a change. Many things will change and there will soon be many choices for the people with disabilities to choose from. I'm extremely happy because i have a sister that has a disability and she is always complaining about how people are always looking at her different and sometimes are even treating her different. She wants some kind of change so she will be extremely happy and thankful to know that these people are going to make a difference.
Wow, I'm so amazed at this and extremely happy, that the president is focusing on disability issues, that he is taking this matter very seriously and hiring people who will help him make great decisions. Many people have waited this long, and for so many years that they will be glad to see a change. Many things will change and there will soon be many choices for the people with disabilities to choose from. I'm extremely happy because i have a sister that has a disability and she is always complaining about how people are always looking at her different and sometimes are even treating her different. She wants some kind of change so she will be extremely happy and thankful to know that these people are going to make a difference.
R. Hernandez
The one above is mine just forgot to add my name so here is a second one sorry. =)
Im so glad that president Obama is so far making a difference in our society especially the people with disablities. This will be the starting point to a new difference.
Eliazet G
Here is another example of people with disabilities proving that with the opportunity they can excell and be more than what people expect of them just because they have a disability. It's good to know that Obama made sure to get the right people for the job.
Vanessa M.
im glad that president Obama has these type of opportunities to such human beings who need the support in their working field. this shows how pwd are able to work in any job they like and succeed as well.
jacklyn g.
This is great news! This demostrates to the public that advocacy plays a huge role in educating others about PWD. Hopefully with this we will see more changes in the laws related to PWD and more people being educating about PWD. President is aware that many people look up to him and he is setting a great example.
Paula S
President Obama wasn't kidding about change! I am amazed at how quick he chose these advisors and I believe he made a wise choice. It's about time people with disabilities get some attention. I am excited to see what's to come of these advisors. Imagine...all the new opportunities. :)
Lizette G.
CM
I think it is very important to have dedicated and experienced disability experts serve the White House; thus, the announcement that two outstanding members and servers of the disability community will form part of the special advisors of Obama Administration. It is very satisfactory for the people with disabilities and to the people that are active contributors in supporting and advocating for the disability community because this ensures them that they are represented in the White House.
Esly B.
Its great that President Obama is having two advisors in his administration to address any disability issues. He is a very busy man and having people on his staff specifically for disability issues can result in very positive outcomes in serving to all people with disabilities.
Sarah O.
Two Disability Leaders to Serve White House
I think President Obama will appreciate having two individuals with a disability be part of his party. The fact that these two individual have a disability they know what is better for other people with a disability. I think these two individuals will serve President Obama promote programs for individuals with a disability.
Alicia S.
Having two disability leaders with great knowledge, and who are willing to help the disabled is of great benefit to President Obama, and especially to the people with disabilities. With these two individuals having a disability themselves, they know what the disabled want. Hopefully they can produce excellent programs for the disabled, in which they truly need.
Emily Case Mang. I
i am so glad that President Obama was able to place these people with him. I really believe that seeing peopel with a disability like Kareem Dale and Paule Steve Miller will help other with and without a disbility see things in anoher perspective. People with disibillities can do the same or more of a difference. i really am looking forward to hearing from the changes and ideas that will come to place.
Annette M CM1 Rivas
Having two disability leaders to serve the white house is very good news. Not only will it show people that anybody can be leader, but the president and every other member in the White House will be very well informed about PWD and things they face in society. With a new president, new ideas can come to him to serve all these people and make a difference.
Anel C.
i think this is great. I told my boss about this and she was also impressed. She was actually going to vote for McCain because Sara Palin had a child with a disability and she thought that having her in office would be great for other parents who have children with disabilities (because my boss's child was diagnosed with Autism). So when she heard about this she really got excited. I guess Obama showed her...
Andrea H.
I think it is great. I mean people with disability finally getting a chance to follow there dreams with no exceptions. I’m really glad I thank everything holly and spiritually that Obama is our President because I think he’s going to do a really good job.
Krystal R.
I am glad he is ensuring the future for many people with disabilities. By doing this, it speaks very clearly about who President Obama really is, and what issues he wants to resolve.
-Sergio M.
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