voting - INDEX

Tag: voting

19
Oct
2016

Advocacy: Making your Voice Heard!

categories: Advocacy, Voting & Government

Why is advocacy important?

We vote our elected officials into office to write our laws. But many people feel too nervous to approach their politicians. They may feel like they won’t be listened to or that they don’t have anything important to say. This is not true!If something is important to you, it is probably important to many others as well. Everyone’s voice should be heard.

But I don’t have the time!

As a mother of children with special needs, I know how hard it is to find time to get involved. Leaders want to hear the personal stories behind the numbers.They want to see pictures of people impacted by laws. If you are reading this blog, you can email your legislator your story and become part of a change for the better.

Where do I start?

If you don’t know who your state legislators are, then a great place to start is the Massachusetts State Legislature website. On the web site, there is a text box in the upper right hand corner. It asks you for your zip code. You type in your zip code and the web site will bring up information for your legislators. From there, you can choose to call, email or write your legislators depending on how much time you have and what your comfort level is. What is important is that you communicate your needs, thoughts and concerns with lawmakers. Your voice and your ideas could be what changes people’s lives for the better. You can be the change for the better.

For more information, you can also visit:

08
Apr
2015

Keep Calm and Vote On

categories: Voting & Government

I was texting with my friend, who happens to have autism. I asked her about the upcoming election for president. I asked, “Who are you going to vote for?” She answered, “I already sent in my absentee ballot. The last time I went to vote, it was sensory hell.” She had a tough time at the polling place in her town. She went on to tell me that the workers acted like she was stupid. She had trouble with the bright lights, noises and long lines. She wasn’t sure what line to get in. She got nervous. When she gets nervous, she talks loud and doesn’t even know it. Her story made me wonder if there was an easier way to vote if you have autism.

What is the law for polling place access for people with disabilities?

In 2002, the Feds signed the Help America Vote Act (HAVA)[1] . Many voting places were tough to figure out if you had a disability. Two mandates were decided on:

1. Accessibility costs money. So a grant program was created to give money to towns and cities so they could upgrade their polling places.

2. Every polling place in the United States was to have at least one voting machine that was private.

Pretty simple. But not so easy in reality. How could someone with autism have a shot at voting in person? A simple checklist could help. And make sure you are registered to vote! You can’t show up the day of the election. You must register ahead of time. Call your city or town hall for instructions.

Simple steps to make voting in person easier

1. Plan your visit. Call your town hall or city hall. Ask if you can stop by the night before the election. The voting booths should be set up. Find out the best time to vote. Ask what time of day has the shortest lines.

2. Ask about the private voting booth. Where is it located? Does your polling place even have one? If not, find a booth at the end of an aisle so you have some privacy.

3. Pack a “sensory” kit – bring a koosh toy, gum, or stress ball. Wear ear plugs. Use whatever will work to reduce your stress. If you get stuck in a long line, you’ll be glad you have something else to focus on.4. Get the name of the person who can help you on voting day. Can this person check you in?

5. Bring a picture ID! You may have to prove who you are.

6. Get a sample ballot ahead of time, if you can. Know who you are voting for before you show up. Know what issues are on the ballot.

7. Know what to do after you vote. Ask about where you turn in your ballot and where you check out.

8. Bring a friend or family member. He or she can help you if you get confused or feel like you are going to have a panic attack.

Keep calm and vote on!

[1] H. R. 3295—33 PART 2—PAYMENTS TO STATES AND UNITS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT TO ASSURE ACCESS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

10
Nov
2010

Choosing to Stay Involved in Your Community

categories: Community, Education

This week I introduce John Anton, a self-advocate who is an inspiration to others as he works hard to make a difference in his local and statewide community.

I sent the following questions to John about his role as a civic activist; he and his support advisor, Fran Hogan sent the answers.

John, please tell us about yourself.

“I am a Legislative Intern for State Representative Tom Sannicandro and a Legislative Advocate and Mentor at The Arc of Greater Haverhill/Newburyport. I am also on the Disability Law Center Board, a member of the Haverhill Trails Committee and am active in my church.”

How did you first become interested in issues in your community?

“When I graduated from high school I went to a sheltered workshop. We didn’t have enough work to do and it was very boring. I got jobs at fast food places and Market Basket, but I didn’t fit into any of these jobs either. Employment for me and other people with disabilities became one of my first issues. Transportation was also important because it was difficult for all of us.”

Tell us about your role as a legislative intern at the state house.

“I go to hearings, read bills and research what will affect individuals and families when budget cuts are made. Then I share this information with other self-advocates who follow up with phone calls, emails and visits to legislators when needed.”

How do you choose the issues you want to be involved in?

“It’s hard because they are all important. What helps is studying the state budget and seeing where funding cuts will affect services.
When I was chairperson for Mass Advocates Standing Strong (a statewide self-advocacy group), the issues of transportation, employment, closing institutions, guardianship, and self-determination all became important to me and they still are.”

Why should people be involved?

“You should want to be involved because your voice and your vote count (link to video in new window with John and others talking about importance of voting). Tax cuts affect everyone, especially people with disabilities and their families. If services are cut, individuals may have to stay home and family members will need to quit their jobs to take care of them. If you understand what is happening, you can do something about it.”

What are the best ways for people to be involved?

“Join a self-advocacy group or state-wide committee, attend conferences, volunteer in your community, and research things you are interested in on the Internet. It is also important that your legislators and local officials know who you are.
With the elections over, I will be organizing other advocates to join me in contacting the new legislators and educating them on what is important to individuals with disabilities. We also need to ask them how to work together in the future to make positive changes for everyone.”

Inspired yet?

03
Nov
2010

So the Elections are over, now what?

categories: Voting & Government

It’s November 3rd, elections are over and you voted. You should feel proud, but have you thought about how you plan to stay active as a civic member of your community?

At this point, you may be thinking that your vote was enough. After all, elections are a lesson in patience and we are all thrilled to see the end of automated phone calls during dinner and negative ads when we were just trying to watch Glee.

But if you really want to be part of your community, you have to do more than just vote. Being an active citizen means paying constant attention to issues that affect all of us. This includes issues for people with disabilities, but it also includes issues that affect the broader community you live in.

Choosing issues that matter to you

There are basically two types of issues you may want to be aware of in your town and state.

First, there are issues specifically affecting the disability community. A reduction in state taxes for example will cut services, which is an important issue that requires your attention.

At the same time, you want to remember that you are also a member of a broader community with additional issues.
Planning on getting older? A proposed senior center may be something you hope to use someday.
Do you have a dog? You may be concerned about having more dog parks.
Can’t afford housing in the town you want to live in? Groups committed to affordable housing may be something to join.

Committed members of your community

This month, we will hear from John Anton an active civic member of his community. John understands the need to pay attention to issues affecting the disability community and the broader community because he is committed to both.

We will also hear from Andrea Kelly about the League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan organization committed to educating people on important community issues that matter well beyond the elections. In addition, Andrea shares her thoughts about a number of ways you can get involved in your community.

It’s November 3rd and you should be proud if you voted. But let’s take some time this month to also think about how you can be an active member of your community in the year ahead. .. and more importantly, why you may want to.