Blue Owl Brewing
Politicians Ignore People With Disabilities
RECEIVED Tue., June 13, 2006
Dear Editor and readers,
After watching the local elections and the ongoing forums for the gubernatorial slot, I realize (once again) that my vote, and those of more than 1 million other Texans, is not valued.
As a deaf person – 16 years after ADA was passed – I am disgusted that not one candidate in any election has bothered to caption their commercials, provide ASL interpreters for public meetings, or assure that all of their campaign events will be in accessible sites.
HHSC/DARS/DADS says that close to 2 million “known” persons in Texas have disabilities; and while not all are of voting age, many are also not counted.
Despite public beliefs to the contrary, those of us with disabilities pay taxes (regardless of whether we work or not) and have strong interests in representation and public programs, services, and spending.
If even one committed candidate would promote and use accessibility and inclusion, it could change the course of Texas history. Texans who do not currently need accessibility would have the pleasant surprise of not having to fight for it when you (or those you love) do need it!
Like most people with disabilities, I do not want “special” or “special needs” items: I want my tax dollars to make public services, events, and information available to me. If you want my vote, make sure I know who you are and why you think you should be elected!
After watching the local elections and the ongoing forums for the gubernatorial slot, I realize (once again) that my vote, and those of more than 1 million other Texans, is not valued.
As a deaf person – 16 years after ADA was passed – I am disgusted that not one candidate in any election has bothered to caption their commercials, provide ASL interpreters for public meetings, or assure that all of their campaign events will be in accessible sites.
HHSC/DARS/DADS says that close to 2 million “known” persons in Texas have disabilities; and while not all are of voting age, many are also not counted.
Despite public beliefs to the contrary, those of us with disabilities pay taxes (regardless of whether we work or not) and have strong interests in representation and public programs, services, and spending.
If even one committed candidate would promote and use accessibility and inclusion, it could change the course of Texas history. Texans who do not currently need accessibility would have the pleasant surprise of not having to fight for it when you (or those you love) do need it!
Like most people with disabilities, I do not want “special” or “special needs” items: I want my tax dollars to make public services, events, and information available to me. If you want my vote, make sure I know who you are and why you think you should be elected!
Sincerely yours,
Mary E. Wambach
Mary E. Wambach
