National Forum Highlights Presidential Candidates' Visions of Future Disability Policy
August 15, 2008
Tempe, AZ
On Thursday, August 21 at 1pm, and Sunday, August 24 at 3pm Sun Sounds of Arizona will rebroadcast the historic, non-partisan forum on national disability policy that was held on July 26, 2008 in Columbus, Ohio, and included the presumptive 2008 presidential candidates or their representatives. The broadcast can be heard on the Sun Sounds of Arizona radio network, and online at sunsounds.org/listen.
During the forum, moderated by television news journalist and mother of a son with a disability, Judy Woodruff, presidential candidates presented their visions for the future of disability policy in America. Senator John McCain attended via satellite link from Arizona, Senator Tom Harkin attended in person representing Barak Obama, and actor and activist Robert David Hall, who has a disability and plays a character with that same disability on the popular show “CSI“ spoke about how acting roles for people with disabilities have evolved.
The panel discussion addressed issues including: what is at stake for people with disabilities in this year’s election, the need for better education, the call for more representation at the highest levels of policy-making, and the need for increased medical care and benefits for veterans.
In her introductory remarks Judy Woodruff said of the candidates’ participation, “It is a testament to the influence of the disability community and testament that millions of your members vote.”
Senator Harkin, speaking on behalf of Senator Barak Obama, suggested that voters not only consider the presidential candidate, but also their Supreme Court appointments. Senator John McCain said that the exclusion of people with disabilities from community participation is a loss to America.
More than 70 national, state and local disability organizations sponsored this event, which coincided with the 18th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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