Dear
Disability Rights Advocates:
In July 2015
we celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA).
We can take
great pride in the historic advances we have made in the community integration
of people with disabilities of all ages since the passage of Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973. No matter what the issue— education, housing,
transportation, personal assistance services, employment, recreation, adaptive
technology, durable medical equipment, or health care, we can see the advances
that have improved our lives and moved us closer to true equality.
This has
come about by working together and implementing a strategy that has included
legislative, legal, direct action, and educational tactics. These tactics are
part of our overall goal to bring about the community integration promised in
the ADA.
We cannot
rest on our past victories. We must build on the past and move forward using
the power we have acquired. This power can be exerted if we Make
the DISABILITY VOTE Count! Policymakers are influenced by large numbers
of people turning out to vote in the primaries and the general elections. This
reality is why we started the REV UP Campaign.
The American
Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is a convener, connector, and
catalyst for change, increasing the political and economic power of people with
disabilities. The focus of the REV UP Campaign is to get more people with
disabilities and our supporters registered and voting!
This Toolkit
is designed to help you begin organizing in your state. Effective REV UP
Campaigns will convene state and local disability organizations, such as centers
for independent living (CIL) and protection and advocacy (P&A)
organizations, to amplify this message and reach more people with disabilities.
If you need
assistance getting connected to CILs or P&As in your state please contact
AAPD at communications@aapd.com. We’ll be
happy to make an introduction.
Register! Educate! Vote!
Use your Power!
