40 Million Americans… :: AAPD Questionnaire: Gov. Bill Richardson

{ 2007 07 20 }

AAPD Questionnaire: Gov. Bill Richardson

AAPD, ADAPT, NCIL, SABE Questionnaire – Governor Bill Richardson Response

June 10, 2007

POLITICAL LEADERSHIP
1. Do you support the creation and appointment of a permanent Assistant to the President for Disability Policy at the White House?
  Yes. Since approximately 17-20% of Americans have a disability, I believe it is important to ensure that the rights of people with disabilities are protected. In addition, I will only hire a person with a disability to fill this position to ensure that disability issues from a disability perspective are maintained.
2. How will you make sure qualified people with disabilities will be a part of your political team and, if elected, as part of your administration?In New Mexico I developed a strategy for hiring people with disabilities into state government. I believe the state should be the largest employer of people with disabilities. As President, I will work to make the federal government the largest employer of people with disabilities. This will be done through eliminating any disability bias in the application process, provide disability awareness training for all supervisors and managers and develop an outreach program targeted to the disability community encouraging them to apply for federal jobs. In addition, I would seek funding to make reasonable accommodations at the work place to assist a person with a disability perform their job.
EMPLOYMENT
1. What steps would you take to reduce employment barriers and improve employment outcomes for Americans with disabilities?In addition to the steps I have outlined above, I would continue to challenge federal and state government agencies as well as private employers to employ people with disabilities. It is difficult to track employees with disabilities because of the confidentiality clauses regarding employment, but I would establish a method of determining how many people with disabilities are employed and challenge business to increase that number every year. Tax incentives will also be established to encourage private businesses to hire more people with disabilities.Research shows that people with significant disabilities that hold college degrees are employed at about the same rate as their nondisabled peers. I would work on establishing student disability programs to encourage people with disabilities to further their education.
2. How would you reform the federal income support programs (Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance) so that beneficiaries enjoy a greater standard of living and participate more fully in the labor market?SSI and SSDI needs to be changed to eliminate work disincentives. As it stands now, many people with disabilities who participate in either of these programs do not work even part-time. My policies would encourage people with disabilities to work rather than punish them for doing so. Less than 1% of people on SSI or SSDI return to the workforce. Some of these people will never be able to work, but many of them can with a little help.
3. According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, between 1993 and 2004, federal workers with significant disabilities left the federal workforce at rate more than seven times the general reduction in the federal workforce during that period. What actions would you take to ensure that qualified workers with disabilities are given meaningful opportunities to participate in the federal workforce at all levels?First, I would find out what caused the rate of people with disabilities leaving federal employment – attitudes, work environment, physical barriers, etc. Then I would put together a disability employment taskforce to correct the problems and keep close watch on all federal agencies. The taskforce would include people with disabilities to ensure the disability perspective is maintained.
HEALTH CARE FOR ALL
1. What steps would you take to ensure that people with disabilities have access to affordable, quality health care that is responsive to their needs?My plan for universal coverage would ensure that Americans—with or without disabilities—would have access to affordable, guaranteed coverage.
2. How or will you use managed care principles to deliver healthcare services?Sometimes managed care is the best way and sometimes not. Managed care organizations have brought many successful applications to health care and when applied effectively provide patients with coordinated care, case management, preventive health care and ensures that providers are well qualified. People, however, like choices and sometimes managed care eliminates the choice of a desired hospital or specialist due to a restricted network. My model for universal coverage preserves choice.
3. How would you improve the quality of health and rehabilitation services provided to veterans with disabilities?
  We have a large number of young men and women who have returned home from Iraq and Afghanistan with traumatic brain injuries, lost limbs and behavioral health issues that need to be addressed. Our rehabilitation and health services will need to be increased to meet the demand. We need to add additional money into these services to ensure all our wounded veterans are well served in the communities in which they live and work. We need to enhance the current VA system to provide in home community services.
4. How would you improve the quality of health and rehabilitation services provided to Native Americans with disabilities? Do you support the reauthorization of the Indian Healthcare Act?
  Coming from a state with a large Native American population (10%), issues that affect this community are of great interest to me. The lack of health care to Native Americans is a national disgrace. According to a recent Behavioral Risk Surveillance Survey, the disability rate of Native Americans on reservation land is 24%-26%. There is obviously a great need to address rehabilitation on Native lands and when Native Americans relocate. The Native Healthcare Act has not been reauthorized since it was passed in 1991. We need to adequately fund Indian Health Services. Again,universal coverage will guarantee access to affordable coverage regardless of where any American lives.
5. How will you assure people with disabilities have fair access to Medicare Part D prescriptions?
  Programs will be established in each state to ensure that people with disabilities are made aware of all options available to them.
6. How will you address the inequities caused by the Medicare “homebound” rule?The “homebound rule” in Medicare is unfair to people with significant disabilities. The rule requires people to be homebound to receive certain services. This comes from the old medical model of disability. If a person is able, it is important for quality of life reasons for the individual to participate in society and not be penalized for stepping outside the home.
7. Do you support ongoing Congressional efforts to ensure mental health parity in health insurance (S.558, H.R. 1367)?Absolutely. It’s time for us to treat behavioral health issues the same as we treat other medical disorders. Mental health has been viewed as being less important than other medical conditions for far too long. I will push legislation to bring parity to health insurance for mental health.
LONG TERM SERVICES AND SUPPORTS
1. How would you address America’s increasing need for home and community-based long-term services and supports (such as personal assistance services, respite care, and other supports)?I fully support the right of people to live in their community rather than institutions, if that is their choice. We need to work on building an infrastructure for community based living, but it can be done. New Mexico ranks in the top three states for having more people with long term needs live in community-based settings rather than in institutions.
  1. Do you support the Community Choice Act of 2007 (S.799, H.R. 1621) and/or the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act of 2007 (CLASS Act of 2007)?I support providing choices for people with disabilities to live in the community and will support legislation that strengthens freedom of choice.
  2. What other steps would you take to help states implement the Olmstead v. L.C. Supreme Court decision and help address the institutional bias in the current Medicaid system?I support the integration of individuals with mental disabilities into the community, if that is their choice, and will work to ensure every state implement the Olmstead decision. I will also address the institutional bias of the Medicaid and Medicare system by supporting legislation to change this policy.
2. Will you propose integrating acute and long-term services by using integrated managed care principles?Integration is the key word. It is important that we promote and support full integration into society of all individuals who wish to live in the community.
3. How will you address the shortage of community direct care attendants?The quickest answer would be to increase the wages of care attendants. Right now attendants are not seen as professional workers. We need to work on training programs for attendants providing care and, thus, result in increased wages.
4. How will you address the lack of coordination between Medicare and Medicaid policies?“Dual eligibles” – those who are enrolled in both programs face more bureaucratic hassles than those on one program or the other. I believe that this population should be put into one program for all their needs. I believe Medicare would best serve this population and the system could be redesigned to provide the enhanced benefits that Medicaid provides.
HOUSING
1. What would you do to increase the availability of affordable, accessible, integrated housing opportunities in the community for low and moderate income people with disabilities and their families?I will support increasing the funding to HUD Section 811 for housing for people with disabilities. Nationwide, there is a shortage of affordable, available and accessible housing for people with disabilities. Adequate housing is something most Americans take for granted – the disability community cannot, not yet.
2. How will you assure the vigorous implementation of all Fair Housing Laws?States will be held responsible for implementing all Fair Housing Laws. I will establish a workgroup to research what each state is doing about housing and if they are in compliance with Fair Housing Laws.
3. How will you assure that HUD implements programs that will assist states in complying with the Olmstead decision?
  Stronger oversight of HUD is the only way to ensure that all states are being assisted with complying with the Olmstead decision.
TRANSPORTATION
1. What would you do to expand access to affordable, accessible transportation for people with disabilities, especially in rural areas?In 2005 the National Council on Disability presented a report on transportation and disability to President Bush. I will work with the disability community and NCD to address the transportation shortages and problems throughout the U.S. using this document as a model.
EDUCATION
1. How would you ensure that students with disabilities are included within and accommodated as part of the accountability measures of No Child Left Behind?No Child Left Behind has received a great deal of criticism from the disability community, particularly as it relates to children with cognitive disabilities. While most children with disabilities can take the standardized tests with accommodations, students with cognitive disabilities have often been left behind because they are required to take the same standardized tests as students without cognitive disabilities. I will establish a work group consisting of people with disabilities, parents and teachers to review No Child Left Behind to determine how we can best serve our children with disabilities.
2. Do you support full federal funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)?Absolutely! The federal government has never fully funded IDEA and it’s time we did. Under the 1975 IDEA, the federal government stated they would pay 40% of funding, it currently only pays about 20%. It’s time we fulfill our promise.
3. What ideas do you have for strengthening federal enforcement of IDEA?Withhold federal funding for school districts that are out of compliance with IDEA.
4. What ideas do you have for increasing the high school graduation rate of students served by IDEA?There needs to be a great deal of work on this issue. Currently almost 50% of children with IEPs do not graduate. I will put together a team of people consisting of people with disabilities, parents and educators to study this problem and come up with best practices.
5. How would you improve services for students transitioning from school to employment? From high school to higher education?I will support increasing transition services not only in high school, but begin working on transition of children with disabilities in junior high school. We have too many students graduating from high school who transition to SSI rather than a job or higher education.
TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
1. Do you support legislative measures to require that Internet technologies be made accessible to and usable by people with disabilities?Yes! Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act needs to be implemented to ensure that all people, regardless of disability, have access to the internet and, hence, the rest of the world.
2. What measures would you propose to ensure that consumer electronic and telecommunications devices are accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities?I will put an advisory board together consisting of federal agencies and people with disabilities to determine the best way we can serve the disability community by improving telecommunication devices to be usable by and available to people with disabilities.
3. How would you ensure enforcement of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act?
  I would determine if all states have passed Section 508 and Section 255. I would then put together a research group to study each state to determine which states have the most successful programs and why.
4. Would you support restoration of full funding for the Technology-related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act programs?Yes. With the modern world of technology, it is extremely important to ensure children with disabilities have the same opportunities to access this technology as their nondisabled peers.
VOTING
1. What steps would you take as President to ensure that voters with disabilities are able to vote privately and independently, consistent with the requirements of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA)?In NM, I worked closely with the Office of the Secretary of State to ensure that all people had the same opportunity to vote. As part of the HAVA requirements, I had each of our 1,200 polling sites inspected for ADA accessibility. Many of the polling sites were not compliant and were sent ADA access audits informing them of exactly what they needed to do to become accessible. I also put together a HAVA accessibility work group consisting of the directors of disability agencies and the Office of the Secretary of State to research all voting machines to determine which ones were most accessible. Each polling site was required to have at least one accessible voting machine. I also supported the making of a video on disability awareness and responsibilities for all poll workers to view as part of their training. I sent the NM Governor’s Commission Disability around the state talking to the disability community about the importance of voting.
2. Would you require the Census Bureau, in its surveys of people with disabilities, to ask questions regarding whether the respondents are registered to vote and whether they voted in the last election?Yes. It’s important to find out how many people with disabilities actually vote. The disability community represents a large voting block and can be very powerful with their vote.
CIVIL RIGHTS
1. Of the existing members of the U.S. Supreme Court, which justices do you consider models for the kinds of federal judges you would appoint if elected president?Ginsberg and Breyer are my model justices. But I will consult members of the disability community to determine which Supreme Court Justices are supportive of the ADA and supporting the civil rights of people with disabilities. I would use this same group to provide input on appointing new Supreme Court Justices.
2. Do you support an ADA Restoration Act, such as the bill introduced in the last Congress?Yes. The ADA has been seriously weakened by Supreme Court decisions. I promise to support the ADA Restoration Act to ensure the civil rights of all people with disabilities.
3. What steps will you take to protect the diminishment of the civil rights protections under the ADA?
  Appointing the appropriate Supreme Court Justices will be an important step in the right direction. People with disabilities are entitled to the same civil rights as all Americans. I strongly support the civil rights of people with disabilities, not only because it’s the right thing to do but because it’s the only thing to do.
INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS
1. Do you support U.S. ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocal?On March 30 of this year, the United Nations General Assembly met to ratify a set of principles ensuring that 650 million people with disabilities around the world had the same basic human rights as people without disabilities. There was only one nation absent from the assembly and refused to sign the document – the United States. This was not only shameful, but inexcusable. I promise to join the other nations in supporting human rights for people with disabilities around the world.

AAPD, ADAPT, NCIL, SABE Questionnaire – Governor Bill Richardson Response

June 10, 2007

POLITICAL LEADERSHIP
1. Do you support the creation and appointment of a permanent Assistant to the President for Disability Policy at the White House?
  Yes. Since approximately 17-20% of Americans have a disability, I believe it is important to ensure that the rights of people with disabilities are protected. In addition, I will only hire a person with a disability to fill this position to ensure that disability issues from a disability perspective are maintained.
2. How will you make sure qualified people with disabilities will be a part of your political team and, if elected, as part of your administration?In New Mexico I developed a strategy for hiring people with disabilities into state government. I believe the state should be the largest employer of people with disabilities. As President, I will work to make the federal government the largest employer of people with disabilities. This will be done through eliminating any disability bias in the application process, provide disability awareness training for all supervisors and managers and develop an outreach program targeted to the disability community encouraging them to apply for federal jobs. In addition, I would seek funding to make reasonable accommodations at the work place to assist a person with a disability perform their job.
EMPLOYMENT
1. What steps would you take to reduce employment barriers and improve employment outcomes for Americans with disabilities?In addition to the steps I have outlined above, I would continue to challenge federal and state government agencies as well as private employers to employ people with disabilities. It is difficult to track employees with disabilities because of the confidentiality clauses regarding employment, but I would establish a method of determining how many people with disabilities are employed and challenge business to increase that number every year. Tax incentives will also be established to encourage private businesses to hire more people with disabilities.Research shows that people with significant disabilities that hold college degrees are employed at about the same rate as their nondisabled peers. I would work on establishing student disability programs to encourage people with disabilities to further their education.
2. How would you reform the federal income support programs (Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance) so that beneficiaries enjoy a greater standard of living and participate more fully in the labor market?SSI and SSDI needs to be changed to eliminate work disincentives. As it stands now, many people with disabilities who participate in either of these programs do not work even part-time. My policies would encourage people with disabilities to work rather than punish them for doing so. Less than 1% of people on SSI or SSDI return to the workforce. Some of these people will never be able to work, but many of them can with a little help.
3. According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, between 1993 and 2004, federal workers with significant disabilities left the federal workforce at rate more than seven times the general reduction in the federal workforce during that period. What actions would you take to ensure that qualified workers with disabilities are given meaningful opportunities to participate in the federal workforce at all levels?First, I would find out what caused the rate of people with disabilities leaving federal employment – attitudes, work environment, physical barriers, etc. Then I would put together a disability employment taskforce to correct the problems and keep close watch on all federal agencies. The taskforce would include people with disabilities to ensure the disability perspective is maintained.
HEALTH CARE FOR ALL
1. What steps would you take to ensure that people with disabilities have access to affordable, quality health care that is responsive to their needs?My plan for universal coverage would ensure that Americans—with or without disabilities—would have access to affordable, guaranteed coverage.
2. How or will you use managed care principles to deliver healthcare services?Sometimes managed care is the best way and sometimes not. Managed care organizations have brought many successful applications to health care and when applied effectively provide patients with coordinated care, case management, preventive health care and ensures that providers are well qualified. People, however, like choices and sometimes managed care eliminates the choice of a desired hospital or specialist due to a restricted network. My model for universal coverage preserves choice.
3. How would you improve the quality of health and rehabilitation services provided to veterans with disabilities?
  We have a large number of young men and women who have returned home from Iraq and Afghanistan with traumatic brain injuries, lost limbs and behavioral health issues that need to be addressed. Our rehabilitation and health services will need to be increased to meet the demand. We need to add additional money into these services to ensure all our wounded veterans are well served in the communities in which they live and work. We need to enhance the current VA system to provide in home community services.
4. How would you improve the quality of health and rehabilitation services provided to Native Americans with disabilities? Do you support the reauthorization of the Indian Healthcare Act?
  Coming from a state with a large Native American population (10%), issues that affect this community are of great interest to me. The lack of health care to Native Americans is a national disgrace. According to a recent Behavioral Risk Surveillance Survey, the disability rate of Native Americans on reservation land is 24%-26%. There is obviously a great need to address rehabilitation on Native lands and when Native Americans relocate. The Native Healthcare Act has not been reauthorized since it was passed in 1991. We need to adequately fund Indian Health Services. Again,universal coverage will guarantee access to affordable coverage regardless of where any American lives.
5. How will you assure people with disabilities have fair access to Medicare Part D prescriptions?
  Programs will be established in each state to ensure that people with disabilities are made aware of all options available to them.
6. How will you address the inequities caused by the Medicare “homebound” rule?The “homebound rule” in Medicare is unfair to people with significant disabilities. The rule requires people to be homebound to receive certain services. This comes from the old medical model of disability. If a person is able, it is important for quality of life reasons for the individual to participate in society and not be penalized for stepping outside the home.
7. Do you support ongoing Congressional efforts to ensure mental health parity in health insurance (S.558, H.R. 1367)?Absolutely. It’s time for us to treat behavioral health issues the same as we treat other medical disorders. Mental health has been viewed as being less important than other medical conditions for far too long. I will push legislation to bring parity to health insurance for mental health.
LONG TERM SERVICES AND SUPPORTS
1. How would you address America’s increasing need for home and community-based long-term services and supports (such as personal assistance services, respite care, and other supports)?I fully support the right of people to live in their community rather than institutions, if that is their choice. We need to work on building an infrastructure for community based living, but it can be done. New Mexico ranks in the top three states for having more people with long term needs live in community-based settings rather than in institutions.
  1. Do you support the Community Choice Act of 2007 (S.799, H.R. 1621) and/or the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act of 2007 (CLASS Act of 2007)?I support providing choices for people with disabilities to live in the community and will support legislation that strengthens freedom of choice.
  2. What other steps would you take to help states implement the Olmstead v. L.C. Supreme Court decision and help address the institutional bias in the current Medicaid system?I support the integration of individuals with mental disabilities into the community, if that is their choice, and will work to ensure every state implement the Olmstead decision. I will also address the institutional bias of the Medicaid and Medicare system by supporting legislation to change this policy.
2. Will you propose integrating acute and long-term services by using integrated managed care principles?Integration is the key word. It is important that we promote and support full integration into society of all individuals who wish to live in the community.
3. How will you address the shortage of community direct care attendants?The quickest answer would be to increase the wages of care attendants. Right now attendants are not seen as professional workers. We need to work on training programs for attendants providing care and, thus, result in increased wages.
4. How will you address the lack of coordination between Medicare and Medicaid policies?“Dual eligibles” – those who are enrolled in both programs face more bureaucratic hassles than those on one program or the other. I believe that this population should be put into one program for all their needs. I believe Medicare would best serve this population and the system could be redesigned to provide the enhanced benefits that Medicaid provides.
HOUSING
1. What would you do to increase the availability of affordable, accessible, integrated housing opportunities in the community for low and moderate income people with disabilities and their families?I will support increasing the funding to HUD Section 811 for housing for people with disabilities. Nationwide, there is a shortage of affordable, available and accessible housing for people with disabilities. Adequate housing is something most Americans take for granted – the disability community cannot, not yet.
2. How will you assure the vigorous implementation of all Fair Housing Laws?States will be held responsible for implementing all Fair Housing Laws. I will establish a workgroup to research what each state is doing about housing and if they are in compliance with Fair Housing Laws.
3. How will you assure that HUD implements programs that will assist states in complying with the Olmstead decision?
  Stronger oversight of HUD is the only way to ensure that all states are being assisted with complying with the Olmstead decision.
TRANSPORTATION
1. What would you do to expand access to affordable, accessible transportation for people with disabilities, especially in rural areas?In 2005 the National Council on Disability presented a report on transportation and disability to President Bush. I will work with the disability community and NCD to address the transportation shortages and problems throughout the U.S. using this document as a model.
EDUCATION
1. How would you ensure that students with disabilities are included within and accommodated as part of the accountability measures of No Child Left Behind?No Child Left Behind has received a great deal of criticism from the disability community, particularly as it relates to children with cognitive disabilities. While most children with disabilities can take the standardized tests with accommodations, students with cognitive disabilities have often been left behind because they are required to take the same standardized tests as students without cognitive disabilities. I will establish a work group consisting of people with disabilities, parents and teachers to review No Child Left Behind to determine how we can best serve our children with disabilities.
2. Do you support full federal funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)?Absolutely! The federal government has never fully funded IDEA and it’s time we did. Under the 1975 IDEA, the federal government stated they would pay 40% of funding, it currently only pays about 20%. It’s time we fulfill our promise.
3. What ideas do you have for strengthening federal enforcement of IDEA?Withhold federal funding for school districts that are out of compliance with IDEA.
4. What ideas do you have for increasing the high school graduation rate of students served by IDEA?There needs to be a great deal of work on this issue. Currently almost 50% of children with IEPs do not graduate. I will put together a team of people consisting of people with disabilities, parents and educators to study this problem and come up with best practices.
5. How would you improve services for students transitioning from school to employment? From high school to higher education?I will support increasing transition services not only in high school, but begin working on transition of children with disabilities in junior high school. We have too many students graduating from high school who transition to SSI rather than a job or higher education.
TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
1. Do you support legislative measures to require that Internet technologies be made accessible to and usable by people with disabilities?Yes! Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act needs to be implemented to ensure that all people, regardless of disability, have access to the internet and, hence, the rest of the world.
2. What measures would you propose to ensure that consumer electronic and telecommunications devices are accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities?I will put an advisory board together consisting of federal agencies and people with disabilities to determine the best way we can serve the disability community by improving telecommunication devices to be usable by and available to people with disabilities.
3. How would you ensure enforcement of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act?
  I would determine if all states have passed Section 508 and Section 255. I would then put together a research group to study each state to determine which states have the most successful programs and why.
4. Would you support restoration of full funding for the Technology-related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act programs?Yes. With the modern world of technology, it is extremely important to ensure children with disabilities have the same opportunities to access this technology as their nondisabled peers.
VOTING
1. What steps would you take as President to ensure that voters with disabilities are able to vote privately and independently, consistent with the requirements of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA)?In NM, I worked closely with the Office of the Secretary of State to ensure that all people had the same opportunity to vote. As part of the HAVA requirements, I had each of our 1,200 polling sites inspected for ADA accessibility. Many of the polling sites were not compliant and were sent ADA access audits informing them of exactly what they needed to do to become accessible. I also put together a HAVA accessibility work group consisting of the directors of disability agencies and the Office of the Secretary of State to research all voting machines to determine which ones were most accessible. Each polling site was required to have at least one accessible voting machine. I also supported the making of a video on disability awareness and responsibilities for all poll workers to view as part of their training. I sent the NM Governor’s Commission Disability around the state talking to the disability community about the importance of voting.
2. Would you require the Census Bureau, in its surveys of people with disabilities, to ask questions regarding whether the respondents are registered to vote and whether they voted in the last election?Yes. It’s important to find out how many people with disabilities actually vote. The disability community represents a large voting block and can be very powerful with their vote.
CIVIL RIGHTS
1. Of the existing members of the U.S. Supreme Court, which justices do you consider models for the kinds of federal judges you would appoint if elected president?Ginsberg and Breyer are my model justices. But I will consult members of the disability community to determine which Supreme Court Justices are supportive of the ADA and supporting the civil rights of people with disabilities. I would use this same group to provide input on appointing new Supreme Court Justices.
2. Do you support an ADA Restoration Act, such as the bill introduced in the last Congress?Yes. The ADA has been seriously weakened by Supreme Court decisions. I promise to support the ADA Restoration Act to ensure the civil rights of all people with disabilities.
3. What steps will you take to protect the diminishment of the civil rights protections under the ADA?
  Appointing the appropriate Supreme Court Justices will be an important step in the right direction. People with disabilities are entitled to the same civil rights as all Americans. I strongly support the civil rights of people with disabilities, not only because it’s the right thing to do but because it’s the only thing to do.
INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS
1. Do you support U.S. ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocal?On March 30 of this year, the United Nations General Assembly met to ratify a set of principles ensuring that 650 million people with disabilities around the world had the same basic human rights as people without disabilities. There was only one nation absent from the assembly and refused to sign the document – the United States. This was not only shameful, but inexcusable. I promise to join the other nations in supporting human rights for people with disabilities around the world.

AAPD, ADAPT, NCIL, SABE Questionnaire – Governor Bill Richardson Response

June 10, 2007

POLITICAL LEADERSHIP
1. Do you support the creation and appointment of a permanent Assistant to the President for Disability Policy at the White House?
  Yes. Since approximately 17-20% of Americans have a disability, I believe it is important to ensure that the rights of people with disabilities are protected. In addition, I will only hire a person with a disability to fill this position to ensure that disability issues from a disability perspective are maintained.
2. How will you make sure qualified people with disabilities will be a part of your political team and, if elected, as part of your administration?In New Mexico I developed a strategy for hiring people with disabilities into state government. I believe the state should be the largest employer of people with disabilities. As President, I will work to make the federal government the largest employer of people with disabilities. This will be done through eliminating any disability bias in the application process, provide disability awareness training for all supervisors and managers and develop an outreach program targeted to the disability community encouraging them to apply for federal jobs. In addition, I would seek funding to make reasonable accommodations at the work place to assist a person with a disability perform their job.
EMPLOYMENT
1. What steps would you take to reduce employment barriers and improve employment outcomes for Americans with disabilities?In addition to the steps I have outlined above, I would continue to challenge federal and state government agencies as well as private employers to employ people with disabilities. It is difficult to track employees with disabilities because of the confidentiality clauses regarding employment, but I would establish a method of determining how many people with disabilities are employed and challenge business to increase that number every year. Tax incentives will also be established to encourage private businesses to hire more people with disabilities.Research shows that people with significant disabilities that hold college degrees are employed at about the same rate as their nondisabled peers. I would work on establishing student disability programs to encourage people with disabilities to further their education.
2. How would you reform the federal income support programs (Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance) so that beneficiaries enjoy a greater standard of living and participate more fully in the labor market?SSI and SSDI needs to be changed to eliminate work disincentives. As it stands now, many people with disabilities who participate in either of these programs do not work even part-time. My policies would encourage people with disabilities to work rather than punish them for doing so. Less than 1% of people on SSI or SSDI return to the workforce. Some of these people will never be able to work, but many of them can with a little help.
3. According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, between 1993 and 2004, federal workers with significant disabilities left the federal workforce at rate more than seven times the general reduction in the federal workforce during that period. What actions would you take to ensure that qualified workers with disabilities are given meaningful opportunities to participate in the federal workforce at all levels?First, I would find out what caused the rate of people with disabilities leaving federal employment – attitudes, work environment, physical barriers, etc. Then I would put together a disability employment taskforce to correct the problems and keep close watch on all federal agencies. The taskforce would include people with disabilities to ensure the disability perspective is maintained.
HEALTH CARE FOR ALL
1. What steps would you take to ensure that people with disabilities have access to affordable, quality health care that is responsive to their needs?My plan for universal coverage would ensure that Americans—with or without disabilities—would have access to affordable, guaranteed coverage.
2. How or will you use managed care principles to deliver healthcare services?Sometimes managed care is the best way and sometimes not. Managed care organizations have brought many successful applications to health care and when applied effectively provide patients with coordinated care, case management, preventive health care and ensures that providers are well qualified. People, however, like choices and sometimes managed care eliminates the choice of a desired hospital or specialist due to a restricted network. My model for universal coverage preserves choice.
3. How would you improve the quality of health and rehabilitation services provided to veterans with disabilities?
  We have a large number of young men and women who have returned home from Iraq and Afghanistan with traumatic brain injuries, lost limbs and behavioral health issues that need to be addressed. Our rehabilitation and health services will need to be increased to meet the demand. We need to add additional money into these services to ensure all our wounded veterans are well served in the communities in which they live and work. We need to enhance the current VA system to provide in home community services.
4. How would you improve the quality of health and rehabilitation services provided to Native Americans with disabilities? Do you support the reauthorization of the Indian Healthcare Act?
  Coming from a state with a large Native American population (10%), issues that affect this community are of great interest to me. The lack of health care to Native Americans is a national disgrace. According to a recent Behavioral Risk Surveillance Survey, the disability rate of Native Americans on reservation land is 24%-26%. There is obviously a great need to address rehabilitation on Native lands and when Native Americans relocate. The Native Healthcare Act has not been reauthorized since it was passed in 1991. We need to adequately fund Indian Health Services. Again,universal coverage will guarantee access to affordable coverage regardless of where any American lives.
5. How will you assure people with disabilities have fair access to Medicare Part D prescriptions?
  Programs will be established in each state to ensure that people with disabilities are made aware of all options available to them.
6. How will you address the inequities caused by the Medicare “homebound” rule?The “homebound rule” in Medicare is unfair to people with significant disabilities. The rule requires people to be homebound to receive certain services. This comes from the old medical model of disability. If a person is able, it is important for quality of life reasons for the individual to participate in society and not be penalized for stepping outside the home.
7. Do you support ongoing Congressional efforts to ensure mental health parity in health insurance (S.558, H.R. 1367)?Absolutely. It’s time for us to treat behavioral health issues the same as we treat other medical disorders. Mental health has been viewed as being less important than other medical conditions for far too long. I will push legislation to bring parity to health insurance for mental health.
LONG TERM SERVICES AND SUPPORTS
1. How would you address America’s increasing need for home and community-based long-term services and supports (such as personal assistance services, respite care, and other supports)?I fully support the right of people to live in their community rather than institutions, if that is their choice. We need to work on building an infrastructure for community based living, but it can be done. New Mexico ranks in the top three states for having more people with long term needs live in community-based settings rather than in institutions.
  1. Do you support the Community Choice Act of 2007 (S.799, H.R. 1621) and/or the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act of 2007 (CLASS Act of 2007)?I support providing choices for people with disabilities to live in the community and will support legislation that strengthens freedom of choice.
  2. What other steps would you take to help states implement the Olmstead v. L.C. Supreme Court decision and help address the institutional bias in the current Medicaid system?I support the integration of individuals with mental disabilities into the community, if that is their choice, and will work to ensure every state implement the Olmstead decision. I will also address the institutional bias of the Medicaid and Medicare system by supporting legislation to change this policy.
2. Will you propose integrating acute and long-term services by using integrated managed care principles?Integration is the key word. It is important that we promote and support full integration into society of all individuals who wish to live in the community.
3. How will you address the shortage of community direct care attendants?The quickest answer would be to increase the wages of care attendants. Right now attendants are not seen as professional workers. We need to work on training programs for attendants providing care and, thus, result in increased wages.
4. How will you address the lack of coordination between Medicare and Medicaid policies?“Dual eligibles” – those who are enrolled in both programs face more bureaucratic hassles than those on one program or the other. I believe that this population should be put into one program for all their needs. I believe Medicare would best serve this population and the system could be redesigned to provide the enhanced benefits that Medicaid provides.
HOUSING
1. What would you do to increase the availability of affordable, accessible, integrated housing opportunities in the community for low and moderate income people with disabilities and their families?I will support increasing the funding to HUD Section 811 for housing for people with disabilities. Nationwide, there is a shortage of affordable, available and accessible housing for people with disabilities. Adequate housing is something most Americans take for granted – the disability community cannot, not yet.
2. How will you assure the vigorous implementation of all Fair Housing Laws?States will be held responsible for implementing all Fair Housing Laws. I will establish a workgroup to research what each state is doing about housing and if they are in compliance with Fair Housing Laws.
3. How will you assure that HUD implements programs that will assist states in complying with the Olmstead decision?
  Stronger oversight of HUD is the only way to ensure that all states are being assisted with complying with the Olmstead decision.
TRANSPORTATION
1. What would you do to expand access to affordable, accessible transportation for people with disabilities, especially in rural areas?In 2005 the National Council on Disability presented a report on transportation and disability to President Bush. I will work with the disability community and NCD to address the transportation shortages and problems throughout the U.S. using this document as a model.
EDUCATION
1. How would you ensure that students with disabilities are included within and accommodated as part of the accountability measures of No Child Left Behind?No Child Left Behind has received a great deal of criticism from the disability community, particularly as it relates to children with cognitive disabilities. While most children with disabilities can take the standardized tests with accommodations, students with cognitive disabilities have often been left behind because they are required to take the same standardized tests as students without cognitive disabilities. I will establish a work group consisting of people with disabilities, parents and teachers to review No Child Left Behind to determine how we can best serve our children with disabilities.
2. Do you support full federal funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)?Absolutely! The federal government has never fully funded IDEA and it’s time we did. Under the 1975 IDEA, the federal government stated they would pay 40% of funding, it currently only pays about 20%. It’s time we fulfill our promise.
3. What ideas do you have for strengthening federal enforcement of IDEA?Withhold federal funding for school districts that are out of compliance with IDEA.
4. What ideas do you have for increasing the high school graduation rate of students served by IDEA?There needs to be a great deal of work on this issue. Currently almost 50% of children with IEPs do not graduate. I will put together a team of people consisting of people with disabilities, parents and educators to study this problem and come up with best practices.
5. How would you improve services for students transitioning from school to employment? From high school to higher education?I will support increasing transition services not only in high school, but begin working on transition of children with disabilities in junior high school. We have too many students graduating from high school who transition to SSI rather than a job or higher education.
TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
1. Do you support legislative measures to require that Internet technologies be made accessible to and usable by people with disabilities?Yes! Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act needs to be implemented to ensure that all people, regardless of disability, have access to the internet and, hence, the rest of the world.
2. What measures would you propose to ensure that consumer electronic and telecommunications devices are accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities?I will put an advisory board together consisting of federal agencies and people with disabilities to determine the best way we can serve the disability community by improving telecommunication devices to be usable by and available to people with disabilities.
3. How would you ensure enforcement of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act?
  I would determine if all states have passed Section 508 and Section 255. I would then put together a research group to study each state to determine which states have the most successful programs and why.
4. Would you support restoration of full funding for the Technology-related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act programs?Yes. With the modern world of technology, it is extremely important to ensure children with disabilities have the same opportunities to access this technology as their nondisabled peers.
VOTING
1. What steps would you take as President to ensure that voters with disabilities are able to vote privately and independently, consistent with the requirements of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA)?In NM, I worked closely with the Office of the Secretary of State to ensure that all people had the same opportunity to vote. As part of the HAVA requirements, I had each of our 1,200 polling sites inspected for ADA accessibility. Many of the polling sites were not compliant and were sent ADA access audits informing them of exactly what they needed to do to become accessible. I also put together a HAVA accessibility work group consisting of the directors of disability agencies and the Office of the Secretary of State to research all voting machines to determine which ones were most accessible. Each polling site was required to have at least one accessible voting machine. I also supported the making of a video on disability awareness and responsibilities for all poll workers to view as part of their training. I sent the NM Governor’s Commission Disability around the state talking to the disability community about the importance of voting.
2. Would you require the Census Bureau, in its surveys of people with disabilities, to ask questions regarding whether the respondents are registered to vote and whether they voted in the last election?Yes. It’s important to find out how many people with disabilities actually vote. The disability community represents a large voting block and can be very powerful with their vote.
CIVIL RIGHTS
1. Of the existing members of the U.S. Supreme Court, which justices do you consider models for the kinds of federal judges you would appoint if elected president?Ginsberg and Breyer are my model justices. But I will consult members of the disability community to determine which Supreme Court Justices are supportive of the ADA and supporting the civil rights of people with disabilities. I would use this same group to provide input on appointing new Supreme Court Justices.
2. Do you support an ADA Restoration Act, such as the bill introduced in the last Congress?Yes. The ADA has been seriously weakened by Supreme Court decisions. I promise to support the ADA Restoration Act to ensure the civil rights of all people with disabilities.
3. What steps will you take to protect the diminishment of the civil rights protections under the ADA?
  Appointing the appropriate Supreme Court Justices will be an important step in the right direction. People with disabilities are entitled to the same civil rights as all Americans. I strongly support the civil rights of people with disabilities, not only because it’s the right thing to do but because it’s the only thing to do.
INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS
1. Do you support U.S. ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocal?On March 30 of this year, the United Nations General Assembly met to ratify a set of principles ensuring that 650 million people with disabilities around the world had the same basic human rights as people without disabilities. There was only one nation absent from the assembly and refused to sign the document – the United States. This was not only shameful, but inexcusable. I promise to join the other nations in supporting human rights for people with disabilities around the world.

AAPD, ADAPT, NCIL, SABE Questionnaire – Governor Bill Richardson Response

June 10, 2007

POLITICAL LEADERSHIP
1. Do you support the creation and appointment of a permanent Assistant to the President for Disability Policy at the White House?
  Yes. Since approximately 17-20% of Americans have a disability, I believe it is important to ensure that the rights of people with disabilities are protected. In addition, I will only hire a person with a disability to fill this position to ensure that disability issues from a disability perspective are maintained.
2. How will you make sure qualified people with disabilities will be a part of your political team and, if elected, as part of your administration?In New Mexico I developed a strategy for hiring people with disabilities into state government. I believe the state should be the largest employer of people with disabilities. As President, I will work to make the federal government the largest employer of people with disabilities. This will be done through eliminating any disability bias in the application process, provide disability awareness training for all supervisors and managers and develop an outreach program targeted to the disability community encouraging them to apply for federal jobs. In addition, I would seek funding to make reasonable accommodations at the work place to assist a person with a disability perform their job.
EMPLOYMENT
1. What steps would you take to reduce employment barriers and improve employment outcomes for Americans with disabilities?In addition to the steps I have outlined above, I would continue to challenge federal and state government agencies as well as private employers to employ people with disabilities. It is difficult to track employees with disabilities because of the confidentiality clauses regarding employment, but I would establish a method of determining how many people with disabilities are employed and challenge business to increase that number every year. Tax incentives will also be established to encourage private businesses to hire more people with disabilities.Research shows that people with significant disabilities that hold college degrees are employed at about the same rate as their nondisabled peers. I would work on establishing student disability programs to encourage people with disabilities to further their education.
2. How would you reform the federal income support programs (Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance) so that beneficiaries enjoy a greater standard of living and participate more fully in the labor market?SSI and SSDI needs to be changed to eliminate work disincentives. As it stands now, many people with disabilities who participate in either of these programs do not work even part-time. My policies would encourage people with disabilities to work rather than punish them for doing so. Less than 1% of people on SSI or SSDI return to the workforce. Some of these people will never be able to work, but many of them can with a little help.
3. According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, between 1993 and 2004, federal workers with significant disabilities left the federal workforce at rate more than seven times the general reduction in the federal workforce during that period. What actions would you take to ensure that qualified workers with disabilities are given meaningful opportunities to participate in the federal workforce at all levels?First, I would find out what caused the rate of people with disabilities leaving federal employment – attitudes, work environment, physical barriers, etc. Then I would put together a disability employment taskforce to correct the problems and keep close watch on all federal agencies. The taskforce would include people with disabilities to ensure the disability perspective is maintained.
HEALTH CARE FOR ALL
1. What steps would you take to ensure that people with disabilities have access to affordable, quality health care that is responsive to their needs?My plan for universal coverage would ensure that Americans—with or without disabilities—would have access to affordable, guaranteed coverage.
2. How or will you use managed care principles to deliver healthcare services?Sometimes managed care is the best way and sometimes not. Managed care organizations have brought many successful applications to health care and when applied effectively provide patients with coordinated care, case management, preventive health care and ensures that providers are well qualified. People, however, like choices and sometimes managed care eliminates the choice of a desired hospital or specialist due to a restricted network. My model for universal coverage preserves choice.
3. How would you improve the quality of health and rehabilitation services provided to veterans with disabilities?
  We have a large number of young men and women who have returned home from Iraq and Afghanistan with traumatic brain injuries, lost limbs and behavioral health issues that need to be addressed. Our rehabilitation and health services will need to be increased to meet the demand. We need to add additional money into these services to ensure all our wounded veterans are well served in the communities in which they live and work. We need to enhance the current VA system to provide in home community services.
4. How would you improve the quality of health and rehabilitation services provided to Native Americans with disabilities? Do you support the reauthorization of the Indian Healthcare Act?
  Coming from a state with a large Native American population (10%), issues that affect this community are of great interest to me. The lack of health care to Native Americans is a national disgrace. According to a recent Behavioral Risk Surveillance Survey, the disability rate of Native Americans on reservation land is 24%-26%. There is obviously a great need to address rehabilitation on Native lands and when Native Americans relocate. The Native Healthcare Act has not been reauthorized since it was passed in 1991. We need to adequately fund Indian Health Services. Again,universal coverage will guarantee access to affordable coverage regardless of where any American lives.
5. How will you assure people with disabilities have fair access to Medicare Part D prescriptions?
  Programs will be established in each state to ensure that people with disabilities are made aware of all options available to them.
6. How will you address the inequities caused by the Medicare “homebound” rule?The “homebound rule” in Medicare is unfair to people with significant disabilities. The rule requires people to be homebound to receive certain services. This comes from the old medical model of disability. If a person is able, it is important for quality of life reasons for the individual to participate in society and not be penalized for stepping outside the home.
7. Do you support ongoing Congressional efforts to ensure mental health parity in health insurance (S.558, H.R. 1367)?Absolutely. It’s time for us to treat behavioral health issues the same as we treat other medical disorders. Mental health has been viewed as being less important than other medical conditions for far too long. I will push legislation to bring parity to health insurance for mental health.
LONG TERM SERVICES AND SUPPORTS
1. How would you address America’s increasing need for home and community-based long-term services and supports (such as personal assistance services, respite care, and other supports)?I fully support the right of people to live in their community rather than institutions, if that is their choice. We need to work on building an infrastructure for community based living, but it can be done. New Mexico ranks in the top three states for having more people with long term needs live in community-based settings rather than in institutions.
  1. Do you support the Community Choice Act of 2007 (S.799, H.R. 1621) and/or the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act of 2007 (CLASS Act of 2007)?I support providing choices for people with disabilities to live in the community and will support legislation that strengthens freedom of choice.
  2. What other steps would you take to help states implement the Olmstead v. L.C. Supreme Court decision and help address the institutional bias in the current Medicaid system?I support the integration of individuals with mental disabilities into the community, if that is their choice, and will work to ensure every state implement the Olmstead decision. I will also address the institutional bias of the Medicaid and Medicare system by supporting legislation to change this policy.
2. Will you propose integrating acute and long-term services by using integrated managed care principles?Integration is the key word. It is important that we promote and support full integration into society of all individuals who wish to live in the community.
3. How will you address the shortage of community direct care attendants?The quickest answer would be to increase the wages of care attendants. Right now attendants are not seen as professional workers. We need to work on training programs for attendants providing care and, thus, result in increased wages.
4. How will you address the lack of coordination between Medicare and Medicaid policies?“Dual eligibles” – those who are enrolled in both programs face more bureaucratic hassles than those on one program or the other. I believe that this population should be put into one program for all their needs. I believe Medicare would best serve this population and the system could be redesigned to provide the enhanced benefits that Medicaid provides.
HOUSING
1. What would you do to increase the availability of affordable, accessible, integrated housing opportunities in the community for low and moderate income people with disabilities and their families?I will support increasing the funding to HUD Section 811 for housing for people with disabilities. Nationwide, there is a shortage of affordable, available and accessible housing for people with disabilities. Adequate housing is something most Americans take for granted – the disability community cannot, not yet.
2. How will you assure the vigorous implementation of all Fair Housing Laws?States will be held responsible for implementing all Fair Housing Laws. I will establish a workgroup to research what each state is doing about housing and if they are in compliance with Fair Housing Laws.
3. How will you assure that HUD implements programs that will assist states in complying with the Olmstead decision?
  Stronger oversight of HUD is the only way to ensure that all states are being assisted with complying with the Olmstead decision.
TRANSPORTATION
1. What would you do to expand access to affordable, accessible transportation for people with disabilities, especially in rural areas?In 2005 the National Council on Disability presented a report on transportation and disability to President Bush. I will work with the disability community and NCD to address the transportation shortages and problems throughout the U.S. using this document as a model.
EDUCATION
1. How would you ensure that students with disabilities are included within and accommodated as part of the accountability measures of No Child Left Behind?No Child Left Behind has received a great deal of criticism from the disability community, particularly as it relates to children with cognitive disabilities. While most children with disabilities can take the standardized tests with accommodations, students with cognitive disabilities have often been left behind because they are required to take the same standardized tests as students without cognitive disabilities. I will establish a work group consisting of people with disabilities, parents and teachers to review No Child Left Behind to determine how we can best serve our children with disabilities.
2. Do you support full federal funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)?Absolutely! The federal government has never fully funded IDEA and it’s time we did. Under the 1975 IDEA, the federal government stated they would pay 40% of funding, it currently only pays about 20%. It’s time we fulfill our promise.
3. What ideas do you have for strengthening federal enforcement of IDEA?Withhold federal funding for school districts that are out of compliance with IDEA.
4. What ideas do you have for increasing the high school graduation rate of students served by IDEA?There needs to be a great deal of work on this issue. Currently almost 50% of children with IEPs do not graduate. I will put together a team of people consisting of people with disabilities, parents and educators to study this problem and come up with best practices.
5. How would you improve services for students transitioning from school to employment? From high school to higher education?I will support increasing transition services not only in high school, but begin working on transition of children with disabilities in junior high school. We have too many students graduating from high school who transition to SSI rather than a job or higher education.
TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
1. Do you support legislative measures to require that Internet technologies be made accessible to and usable by people with disabilities?Yes! Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act needs to be implemented to ensure that all people, regardless of disability, have access to the internet and, hence, the rest of the world.
2. What measures would you propose to ensure that consumer electronic and telecommunications devices are accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities?I will put an advisory board together consisting of federal agencies and people with disabilities to determine the best way we can serve the disability community by improving telecommunication devices to be usable by and available to people with disabilities.
3. How would you ensure enforcement of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act?
  I would determine if all states have passed Section 508 and Section 255. I would then put together a research group to study each state to determine which states have the most successful programs and why.
4. Would you support restoration of full funding for the Technology-related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act programs?Yes. With the modern world of technology, it is extremely important to ensure children with disabilities have the same opportunities to access this technology as their nondisabled peers.
VOTING
1. What steps would you take as President to ensure that voters with disabilities are able to vote privately and independently, consistent with the requirements of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA)?In NM, I worked closely with the Office of the Secretary of State to ensure that all people had the same opportunity to vote. As part of the HAVA requirements, I had each of our 1,200 polling sites inspected for ADA accessibility. Many of the polling sites were not compliant and were sent ADA access audits informing them of exactly what they needed to do to become accessible. I also put together a HAVA accessibility work group consisting of the directors of disability agencies and the Office of the Secretary of State to research all voting machines to determine which ones were most accessible. Each polling site was required to have at least one accessible voting machine. I also supported the making of a video on disability awareness and responsibilities for all poll workers to view as part of their training. I sent the NM Governor’s Commission Disability around the state talking to the disability community about the importance of voting.
2. Would you require the Census Bureau, in its surveys of people with disabilities, to ask questions regarding whether the respondents are registered to vote and whether they voted in the last election?Yes. It’s important to find out how many people with disabilities actually vote. The disability community represents a large voting block and can be very powerful with their vote.
CIVIL RIGHTS
1. Of the existing members of the U.S. Supreme Court, which justices do you consider models for the kinds of federal judges you would appoint if elected president?Ginsberg and Breyer are my model justices. But I will consult members of the disability community to determine which Supreme Court Justices are supportive of the ADA and supporting the civil rights of people with disabilities. I would use this same group to provide input on appointing new Supreme Court Justices.
2. Do you support an ADA Restoration Act, such as the bill introduced in the last Congress?Yes. The ADA has been seriously weakened by Supreme Court decisions. I promise to support the ADA Restoration Act to ensure the civil rights of all people with disabilities.
3. What steps will you take to protect the diminishment of the civil rights protections under the ADA?
  Appointing the appropriate Supreme Court Justices will be an important step in the right direction. People with disabilities are entitled to the same civil rights as all Americans. I strongly support the civil rights of people with disabilities, not only because it’s the right thing to do but because it’s the only thing to do.
INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS
1. Do you support U.S. ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocal?On March 30 of this year, the United Nations General Assembly met to ratify a set of principles ensuring that 650 million people with disabilities around the world had the same basic human rights as people without disabilities. There was only one nation absent from the assembly and refused to sign the document – the United States. This was not only shameful, but inexcusable. I promise to join the other nations in supporting human rights for people with disabilities around the world.

Reposted with permission.

40 Million Americans…

AAPD Questionnaire: Gov. Bill Richardson

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