The incoming Democratic administration should offer the disabled community more opportunities to advance worthwhile causes, and despite the bad economy, new monies have been assigned to projects such as home repair for low income, disabled people. This project is through HUD, but there are many others.
So, some key figures have been identified (and there are others) who should prove invaluable toward any efforts to solve problems related to the disabled population.
The point would be to communicate with the people who wield the influence over considering programs or issues which most of us share. If change is the desire of the new Administration, they need to hear from people who are aware of problems connected to agencies or unresolved issues.
So, here are a few names to be aware of.
It was recently announced that Kareem Dale would become a Special Advisor to President Obama on disability issues. It was noted later that 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 is also playing an active role in advancing disability interests and hires within the Administration. These would be the individuals you might want to contact. If they never hear from disabled folks, then their attention is focused somewhere else.
As a continued invitation to spend time creatively, research all these people through the various search engines—-find out if there is something of value by contacting them.
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.
As the disabled population continues to grow, and services seem to diminish or cause confusion, it becomes all the more necessary to be an activist, if only for yourself.
Have a great holiday and be well.
Advocate
