Disability Rights Advocates Rally in D.C.: Participants Urge Passage of ADA Amendments Act, Federal Funding For Independent Living Program

Source: MSNBC

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WASHINGTON - About 700 disability rights advocates from across the country rallied in Washington on Tuesday, the 18th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Some needed oxygen tanks and wheel chairs, but all were there to give and receive inspiration. "Look at these people. I mean, they are making a full and productive life despite a serious disability," said Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill. "We've got to make sure in America, if we're truly a land of opportunity, we don't leave anybody behind."

The U.S. Senate is considering a bill, which has already passed in the House, that amends the Americans with Disabilities Act to include a broader range of disabilities than subsequent court decisions have permitted. "Diabetes, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, missing limbs -- people that everybody would think, 'Isn't that whom the ADA was designed to cover and protect?'" said Sandy Finucane of the Epilepsy Foundation.

"There's just a lot of negative attitudes and stereotypes based on lack of education or just ignorance," said Carrie Kaufman, who came from Chicago for the rally.

Participants marched from the Grand Hyatt Hotel past the Department of Justice to the Capitol Reflecting Pool, where they held a rally with Sens. Dick Durbin and Tom Harkin. Participants also met with their home-state representatives and senators. "We want them to be aware of what we need support on, what we need them to advocate for," said Blaire McCorkle of Charlotte, N.C. "We have rights that we need them to support."

"The disabled community is looking for better healthcare, better access, more options integration into all facets of society," said David Lowitz of Utica, N.Y.

Community and business groups and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce are supporting the legislation, which the activists said they would like the Senate to pass before Congress recesses for the summer. "Access is the most important thing. I would say that probably there's people that are just unaware, and I think that's why we need to bring the knowledge to them," said Sean Lawrence of Fredericksburg.