2004 Annual Convention

The 26th Annual Convention of The Coalition of Texans with Disabilities was held in Dallas from September 17-19, 2004. If you attended, thanks for helping make this an excellent convention.

With a theme of “Call to Action!”, advocacy and inspiration ruled the events. We began with a visit from the ghost of Thomas Paine, the great essayist from the days of the American Revolution. Paine’s stirring words on independence ring as true for people with disabilities in 2004 as they did for the American colonists in 1776. There were many great “snapshots”, here are some highlights:

  • The Democratic presidential candidate couldn’t make it in person, but John Kerry’s special video message to CTD focusing on disability issues was received with excitement. The intense presidential race as a hot topic all weekend, with many people referring to a Bush/Kerry comparison sheet on positions of interest of people with disabilities.
  • Voting is easier than ever for people with disabilities. A timely keynote presentation on the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) informed on new polling place accessibility, registration, voting and identification advances. Two of the new accessible voting machines were demonstrated. With these new technologies, a true private ballot is possible.
  • National expert Vickie Vining of the Center for Self-Determination delivered a workshop on Self-Determination as an Advocacy Strategy. “You seem to have some very committed people advocating in Texas”, said Vining after her presentations.
  • The coolest thing about the workshop on Advocacy in a Budget Deficit Legislative Session? At the end of the workshop, groups spontaneously formed, discussing issues, talking strategy, making connections…
  • Kid advocate Rasha Kawar, age 9, brought us up-to-date on her campaign for accessible airplane restrooms. Rasha’s got the attention of senators and has been featured in national media. She added to the 13,000 signatures on her national petition.
  • Elaine King Miller, candidate in Texas Senate District 31, drew respect , laughter and cheers for her campaign stories in her superb speech “How a Person with a Disability Decided to Run for Public Office”.
  • Annual awards were presented in seven categories to outstanding organizations and individuals. Of special note is the Justin Dart Meritorious Award, given posthumously to Ross Sweat. In a very moving moment, Sherry Sweat accepted the award, backed by eight family members on stage.
  • CTD’s advocacy agenda was established through spirited debate on proposed resolutions. Subjects ranged from architectural barriers to brain injury services to embryonic stem cell research. Delegates also elected a new CTD Board of Directors and re-elected Linda Pickle of Houston as President.
  • CTD reported its fourth consecutive year of membership growth. We now have 63 member organizations.
  • A wonderful close! Everyone was charmed and impressed by Veronique Matthews of Hearts and Hooves and her therapeutic miniature horses. Smaller than some big dogs, these trained animals build on the special relationship of the equine and human species for truly innovative therapy.

We will continue to work hard for Texans with disabilities. Let us all heed the Call to Action!

Special thanks to our co-host: REACH Centers for Independent Living

Thanks for the support of our advertisers.

And our great appreciation to the sponsors who made this an affordable convention:

  • Texas Council for Developmental disabilities
  • AARP
  • Vinson & Elkins
  • BearingPoint Inc
  • Anonymous