2006 Annual Convention
Raise Your Voice!
Speakers at the 2006 Convention
Carole Keeton Strayhorn, independent candidate for governor |
Chris Bell, Democratic candidate for governor |
Roger Williams, Texas Secretary of State (left with Gene Rodgers and Philip Bellard) |
Barbara Ann Radnofsky Democratic candidate for Senator |
Gov. Rick Perry, Republican candidate for Governor Governor Rick Perry sent a special video message outlining his policy on disability. |
Kinky Friedman, independent candidate for Governor |
Raise Your Voice!
The 28th Annual Convention of The Coalition of Texans with Disabilities was held in Corpus Christi from September 22 – 24, 2006. The CTD Convention put together a terrific slate of political speakers as impressive as any organization in Texas, with all four candidates for governor participating and US Senate candidate Barbara Ann Radnofsky. There was plenty of other good stuff, such that many CTD veterans called this year “the best ever”. If you attended, you were part of an excellent convention.
The theme this year is “Raise Your Voice!” and called attention to two upcoming events critical to people with disabilities: the November 7 election and the 2007 Texas Legislature. Here are some highlights:
- The USS Lexington is an actual WWII aircraft carrier and the site of a pre-convention media event with Texas Secretary of State Roger Williams on the VOTEXAS campaign to promote the Help America Vote Act (HAVA). The CTD contingent quickly became the media focus on the windy deck with David Fowler of the Paralyzed Veterans of America the lead story in newspaper coverage.
- Friends old and new gathered at the opening reception with a HAVA theme. New voting technology was sampled by many and Secretary Williams delivered a rousing keynote address, then spent another hour visiting with CTD members, many of whom he’d met around the state.
- The first general session opened with a cheer for “350 Miles…7 Days…By Hand!”, the video documentary on CTD’s Capitol Ride.
- US Senate candidate Barbara Ann Radnofsky (D) impressed many by pledging to support federal disability issues like MiCASSA and protection of HAVA rights.
- New state practices explained. Jonas Schwartz of DARS spoke on the new Medicaid Buy-In (employment) and Colleen Horton of the Texas Center for Disability Studies addressed STAR Plus Expansion (Medicaid managed care). Extensive question and answer sessions followed each presentation.
- Rick Perry via custom video…the incumbent and current Republican candidate, Gov. Perry, says he believes Texas is better off for the contributions of people with disabilities and cited his support in 2005 for extra funding to reduce community services waiting lists.
- The awards luncheon began with welcoming remarks from Corpus Christi Mayor Henry Garrett. Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, honored as Public Servant of the Year for his authorship of the Texas ADA bill, vowed to “kick the door down” for the ADA in 2007. The luncheon concluded with a high energy speech from independent gubernatorial candidate Carole Strayhorn.
- Excellent workshops on Livable Communities, the Community Attendant Workforce Crisis and Disaster Preparedness were presented by experts.
- The grassroots resolutions process laid out several new issues for CTD to support. Comments and changes were made on most.
- Saturday's happy hour was on the town…at the nearby Executive Surf Club, a joint for old hippies and surfers. Wheelchair dancers later filled the open air dance floor.
- What a way to close! Independent gubernatorial candidate Kinky Friedman created a buzz with his colorful personality, black cowboy hat and cigar. After his speech, Kinky graciously posed for many photographs. He was immediately followed by a very different candidate, Democrat Chris Bell, who targeted specific disability issues in his speech. Both Bell and Kinky extended their time for lengthy question and answer sessions.
Raise Your Voice! The convention is over, but this message lives on. Encourage everyone you know to vote. Make a difference! Then, keep raising your voice and make sure your legislators know what you think.
CTD is committing to raising our voice and continues to work hard for Texans with disabilities.