CTD MESSENGER
Archive of "The Messenger", our newsletter
July 30, 2007
CONTENTS:- 2007 Legislative Report #2: Diverse Disability Issues
- CTD Aug. 14 Free Teleconference: Advocacy in the Interim
- In Memorium: Team Everest Trekker Robert Rodgers
2007 Legislative Report #2: Diverse Disability Issues
CTD’s Work on Behalf of Texans with Disabilities
Our first report covered the critically important state budget issues and CTD’s advocacy for increased funding for services. There were many other issues and CTD testified, visited legislators, supplied/reviewed bill language, and wrote/distributed position papers on them. CTD held two rallies at the Capitol, sponsored the national Road to Freedom ADA bus tour and held a press conference on the Capitol steps. We implemented Raise Your Voice! a web-based tool, via which CTD members contacted their legislators. In non-traditional advocacy, CTD organized the Legless Lizard Tour de Tejas, a 25-day public awareness event to draw attention to pressing legislative issues. CTD member Mikail Davenport handcycled from El Paso to Beaumont, attracting national, state and local media coverage. The rallies, the Raise Your Voice! contacts and broad media coverage make for a huge impact, because legislators see these as constituent viewpoints.
With our partners, CTD successfully fought bills to water down or eliminate accessible voting rights gained under the Help America Vote Act. CTD worked closely with the election committees, expressing the will of Texans with disabilities to never return to the days of disenfranchisement. And we fought an influx of “voter ID” bills; if passed, they would have harmed voting participation of people with disabilities, elders and minorities.
CTD was actively involved in over 21 bills, while two were filed at CTD’s request. HB2216 passed, ensuring availability of structurally modified vehicles. CTD also advanced the ADA bill, passing it through House Civil Practices and raising awareness of the State’s offensive practice of claiming immunity for its acts of disability discrimination. CTD was a primary advocate for successful bills on consumer directed services, workers comp extended coverage, judicial review of Medicaid decisions, property tax cuts for homeowners with disabilities and more. A favorite topic of the tabloid media, HB 308 legalized the use of laser sighting devices for hunters with blindness. Not a joke, CTD supported this “Texan” example of reasonable accommodation and community inclusion.
Thanks to everyone who contacted their legislator and the various organizations, legislators and staffers who helped us. Special recognition to our priniciple partners: ADAPT, Advocacy Inc., Texas Center for Disability Studies and AARP. To see CTD’s detailed Legislative Report, including state budget results: www.cotwd.org/2007_legislative_report.html.
CTD Aug. 14 Teleconference: Advocacy in the Interim
What you can do between Legislative Sessions to make Texas a better place to live
FREE PROGRAM!
CTD/Coalition of Texans with Disabilities is presenting a teleconference training on legislative advocacy during the interim before the 2009 Texas Legislative Session at 2 pm CT on Tuesday August 14. Impact public policy, yourselves and others! Examine the accomplishments gained at the recent 2007 Texas Legislature. If we don’t continue raising our voices, by January 2009 our message will get lost! The conference call procedure is easy and there’ll be no charge to you or your group! At 2 pm CT on 8-14, simply call 888-346-3659 and punch in code number 3235. For more information and advance materials please contact Bryson Smith at 512-478-3366 or bsmith@cotwd.org The teleconference will last approx. 45 minutes.
In Memorium: Team Everest Trekker Robert Rodgers
Robert Rodgers, a member of CTD’s Team Everest Trek, passed away this June. Rob happily joined his brother, CTD member Gene Rodgers, on the trek up Mt Everest in 2003. Said Robert of his journey up the mountain:
I am not an athlete, climber, or hiker – I am only a musician… how could I have known what I would find out there– I only knew there had to be something better… they all became my brothers and sisters – every last person on that team would do anything for me. I felt total peace and tranquility… The brave souls of CTD’s Team Everest Expedition and that wonderful country gave me another chance at life, and for that I shall be eternally grateful... I promise that I will not waste this new life of mine.
CTD would like to extend our sympathy to Rob’s family and friends. He will be greatly missed.
October 2006 |
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Danny Saenz, Jennifer McPhail, Cathy Cranston and Secretary Roger Williams at CTD convention |
- Texans with Disabilities Raise your voice and vote!
- AWARDS!
- Community Partners of the 2006 Cinema Touching Disability Film Festival
- ADVERTISERS/EXHIBITORS at the 2006 CTD convention
Texans with Disabilities KNOW YOUR VOTING RIGHTS!
CTD VP Rodney Hanneman and U.S. Senate Candidate Barbara Ann Radnofsky
In 2002, President Bush signed the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) into law. CTD has worked hard to ensure that Texas be compliant by the upcoming November election. While at the CTD convention last month, Secretary of State Roger Williams noted that “Our new electronic voting systems and other reforms enacted through HAVA now give voters with disabilities the ability to cast a secure, independent ballot”. So, as you go to the polls, remember the 2006 Convention theme: Raise Your Voice!
If you want to cast a county-specific practice ballot go to: www.VOTEXAS.ORG. But hurry! Early voting ends Nov. 3rd! If you encounter issues regarding accessibility when you vote please call The Advocacy Inc. Voter Hotline to report it: 1-888-796-VOTE (8683).
Vote early or vote on Nov. 7th, just make sure to Raise Your Voice and vote!
Accessibility
State law requires all polling places meet strict accessibility standards.
Private Ballot
It is your right to cast a private and independent ballot. Every polling place must have at least one accessible voting device which assists individuals with disabilities to cast a private ballot.
Voting Assistance
You have the right to assistance- from any person you choose- when registering to vote or voting if you cannot read or mark the ballot or application. You have the right to an interpreter. It is illegal for the person assisting you to try and influence your vote.
You May find it Easier to vote by one of the following voting options:
Vote Early
You can vote early in person. During early voting you can vote at any polling place in your county. Early voting ends November 3.
Election Day
November 7 is election day. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 7p.m. On election day you must vote at your assigned polling location or your vote will not count.
Curbside voting
If you are physically unable to enter a polling place or to stand in line to vote you can ask an election official to bring your ballot to your car or the entrance of the polling place. This applies to both early voting and election day.
Awards from ADAPT and University of Michigan!
Congratulations to ADAPT of Texas on its 21st Birthday Bash, held in Austin on October 15, 2006. A large group of advocates and community supporters celebrated with music, food, birthday cake and more. State Senate Candidate Kirk Watson emceed the awards presentations, where CTD was honoured to receive a Disability Champion Award. Coming from ADAPT, this award is truly significant to all of us at CTD.
The University of Michigan announced that CTD Executive Director Dennis Borel is selected to receive the 2006 James Neubacher Award. The national award memorializes Neubacher, an advocate and journalist whose catchphrase was “Raise a little consciousness, raise a little hell!” Neubacher’s column for the Detroit Free Press acquired national recognition as a voice for those with disabilities during the 80s; many of his columns went on the national wire service. Borel, a 1974 Michigan graduate, said, “My time at UM was very special. To receive a professional honour from my university for work I love doing is exceptionally meaningful.” The Neubacher Award was presented at a ceremony in Ann Arbor on October 27.
Community Partners of the 2006 Cinema Touching Disability Film Festival
The CTD thanks the following organizations for helping sponsor our successful 2006 Cinema Touching Disability film festival, held in Austin on October 20-21.
PRODUCER
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DIRECTOR
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LEADING CAST LEVEL
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SUPPORTING CAST
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EXTRAS LEVEL
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IN KIND SPONSORS
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ADVERTISERS/EXHIBITORS AT THE 2006 CONVENTION
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September 1, 2006
Top political speakers, excellent workshops and a great location!
Kinky Friedman confirmed to speak at CTD convention
Your best opportunity to hear all four major candidates for governor, learn their views and take this critical information back to your communities!
Kinky Friedman, independent candidate for Governor
Governor Rick Perry
28th Annual Convention of the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities (CTD)
Corpus Christi, September 22-24, 2006
Our best political speakers ever!- Gubernatorial candidate Chris Bell (D) in person!
- Gubernatorial candidate Carole Keeton Strayhorn (I) in person!
- Gubernatorial candidate Kinky Friedman (I) in person!
- Gubernatorial candidate Governor Rick Perry(R) via special video message!
- U.S. Senate candidate Barbara Ann Radnofsky (D) in person!
- Enjoy the CTD opening fun and informal reception to be held on Friday evening Sept. 22 in the Omni's Marina View room offering a stunning view of the water, where we will be joined by Texas Secretary of State Roger Williams in person!
- GoCoastal! emergency preparedness by Crystal Lyons and the Coastal Bend Center for Independent Living
- Attendant Care Workforce Crisis with Cathy Cranston, Personal Attendant Coalition of Texas
- Livable Communities: Successful Advocacy Collaborations of People with Disabilities and Older Americans with Candice Carter, AARP Assoc. State Director and Eric Reed, Advocacy Coordinator, VOLAR
- Medicaid Buy-In: How to Go to Work and Keep Medicaid Coverage with Jonas Schwartz, TX DARS
- Star Plus Expansion and You by the Texas Center for Disability Studies
Register and reserve your room today. When calling the Omni Corpus Christi Marina Tower at 1-800-843-6664, ask for the CTD block to get the reduced room rate of $85 single plus taxes.
August 2006
Top political speakers, excellent workshops and a great location!
Barbara Ann Radnofsky Democratic candidate for Senator |
Roger Williams, Texas Secretary of State (left with Gene Rodgers and Philip Bellard) |
28th Annual Convention of the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities (CTD)
Corpus Christi, September 22-24, 2006
Our best political speakers ever!- Gubernatorial candidate Chris Bell (D) in person!
- Gubernatorial candidate Carole Keeton Strayhorn (I) in person!
- Gubernatorial candidate Governor Rick Perry(R) via special video message!
- U.S. Senate candidate Barbara Ann Radnofsky (D) in person!
- Enjoy the CTD opening fun and informal reception to be held on Friday evening Sept. 22 in the Omni's Marina View room offering a stunning view of the water, where we will be joined by Texas Secretary of State Roger Williams in person!
- GoCoastal! emergency preparedness by Crystal Lyons and the Coastal Bend Center for Independent Living
- Attendant Care Workforce Crisis with Cathy Cranston, Personal Attendant Coalition of Texas
- Livable Communities: Successful Advocacy Collaborations of People with Disabilities and Older Americans with Candice Carter, AARP Assoc. State Director and Eric Reed, Advocacy Coordinator, VOLAR
- Medicaid Buy-In: How to Go to Work and Keep Medicaid Coverage with Jonas Schwartz, TX DARS
- Star Plus Expansion and You by the Texas Center for Disability Studies
Register and reserve your room today. When calling the Omni Corpus Christi Marina Tower at 1-800-843-6664, ask for the CTD block to get the reduced room rate of $85 single plus taxes.
So please join us for fun & advocacy at The Sparkling City by the Sea. For more information or to register on-line please check our website at www.cotwd.org/convention.html or download and mail the registration form!
2006 Registration form
July 2006
CONTENTS:
- CTD’s 28TH Annual Convention 2006
- VOTEXAS / HAVA
- Austin Accessibility Award
- In Memoriam
- CTD Donors
- STAP Program
Attention! Coalition of Texans with Disabilities (CTD) members and disability advocates: You won't want to miss this!
Raise Your Voice!
Chris Bell, Democratic candidate for governor |
Carole Keeton Strayhorn, independent candidate for governor |
Top political speakers, excellent workshops and a great location!
CTD is having our 2006 Convention in sunny Corpus Christi right on the bay from Sept. 22nd-Sept. 24th! You won't believe the lineup of speakers we've secured: Gubernatorial candidates Chris Bell (D) & Carole Keeton Strayhorn (I) will be there, Governor Rick Perry (R) is preparing a special video message and we are working on getting Kinky Friedman (I). Also confirmed speaking will be U.S. Senate candidate Barbara Ann Radnofsky (D). Enjoy the CTD opening fun and informal reception to be held on Friday Sept. 22 in the Omni's Marina View room offering a stunning view of the water, where we will be joined by Texas Secretary of State Roger Williams.
Breakout sessions include emergency preparedness, attendant care workforce crisis, & livable communities. Other advocacy issues such as the upcoming legislative session will be discussed.
Register and reserve your room today. When calling the Omni Corpus Christi Marina Tower at 1-800-843-6664, ask for the CTD block to get the reduced room rate of $85 plus taxes.
A limited number of stipends are available and the deadline for receipt of application by mail or fax is Aug. 22. You will be notified no later than Aug. 29 if you are selected.
So please join us for fun & advocacy at The Sparkling City by the Sea. For more information or to register on-line please check our website at www.cotwd.org
Attend Free Help America Vote Act presentations in your community!
The Help America Vote Act (HAVA), one of most sweeping election reforms in the last 40 years was signed into law in 2002. HAVA is improving the administration of elections while creating new mandates for accessible voting machines, polling place accessibility and training of poll workers. Secretary of State Roger Williams and CTD are partnering on voter outreach, kicking off the VOTEXAS (www.votexas.org ) program in January 2006 followed by a statewide tour and local HAVA presentations to educate voters with disabilities on how HAVA will affect them in the general election in November.
Should you be interested in attending a HAVA presentation, please review the city and date list below and call or email the contact to RSVP and/or find out the exact location of the training, which will include an accessible voting machine demonstration and refreshments:
| Tues, 8/15/06 | Jacksonville Mental Health Consumers | Jacksonville, TX | Contact: Sallie Pena 903-589-5310 |
| Tues., 9/12/06 | The ARC of Texas | Waco, Temple, Belton areas | Contact: Amy Mizcles: 1-800-2529729 |
| Sat., 9/30/06 | National MS Society | Dallas, TX | Contact: Suasan at 214-373-1400 |
| Sun., 10/1/06 | Disability Law Resource Project/Houston Center for the Blind | Houston, TX | Contact: Diego Demaya: 1-800-949-4232 |
Austin nationally recognized for making community more accessible to people with disabilities
For the first time, the National Organization on Disability has recognized Austin, home of the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities (CTD) headquarters, as one of three national leaders for providing accessibility and opportunity for people with disabilities.
Austin was heralded as a national model for focusing on disability issues and successful design of accessible programs, services and facilities for citizens and visitors with disabilities. Austin received a $10,000 cash prize from the National Organization on Disability to fund local disability-related efforts.
Austin was recognized by the National Organization on Disability for its list of best practices of 2005 including:
- Capitol Ride 05, a 350 mile handcycle ride by Mikail Davenport & a project of CTD that displayed the unexpected skills of Austinites with disabilities as well as the support of the surrounding community.
- ? CTD’s Cinema Touching Disability film festival, an annual festival of movies showing how the motion picture industry has portrayed people with disabilities (both correctly & incorrectly) throughout its history.
- ? Community Conversation 2005: A Town Hall Meeting. Persons of all age groups and ethnic backgrounds and all disabilities attended this community wide event. ? 1,300 Austin Police officers underwent training focusing on disability awareness.
- ? The city tripled the number of youth with disabilities in the paid Austin/Travis County Work-Based Learning Program.
CTD is proud to have contributed to Austin receiving this national award and congratulates the Austin Mayor’s Committee on People with Disabilities, Chairman Ron Lucey and ADA Coordinator Dolores Gonzales! The Accessible America Contest promotes nationwide replication of best practices. Consider nominating your city for this award for 2006 activities. For more info contact Ms. Sharon Belt at 202/293-5960. The deadline is October 31, 2006.
In Memorium
Leti McGarry of San Antonio
Leti McGarry, an active CTD board member in the 1980s, passed away July 10 at age 49. Visually impaired as a child, she became totally blind seven years ago. At Austin's Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center, Leti helped persons who are deaf and blind develop skills that enabled them to be independent. Leti was a founding member of San Antonio Area Disability Advocates, and worked hard to advance CTD advocacy issues. CTD would like to extend our sympathy to the McGarry family.
Bob Provan of Austin
CTD member and activist Bob Provan passed away July 6, 2006. Diagnosed with polio at the age of five, he graduated from the University of Texas Law School with a Doctorate of Jurisprudence and became a prominent lawyer. Bob regularly took on insurance companies on behalf of kids with disabilities, often gaining his clients necessary surgeries and therapies. CTD extends condolences to the Provan family.
To: ALL CTD DONORS
THANK YOU!!!
CTD would like to thank our recent generous supporters who allow us to do the work we do best: assuring that all Texans with disabilities have the freedom to work, live and play in the community of their choice.
- Applied Materials, Inc.
- Haggar Family Foundation
- Continental Batteries
- JP Morgan Chase
- Pfizer
- Central Market
- In Home Attendant Services
- The Greer Family
- Vinson & Elkins LLP
- BAH! Design
- Austin Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities
- Northwest Hills Eye Care
- Gritschke/Lindsay Family
- Mary and Franklin Bonasso
- Sue and Dennis Borel
- Davila Pharmacy
- SAADA
- Mary Lee Foundation
- REACH
- TACIL
- Anonymous
- Superior HealthPlan
- Evercare
- Assistance Canines of Texas
- Joe Bill and DeDe Watkins
- Touch of Class
- Texas Association of Interior Designers
- The ARC of San Antonio VIASAILS
- Texas Council on Developmental Disabilities
- Project Level Field
We at Coalition of Texans with Disabilities greatly appreciate your support.
Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program (STAP)
Do you or someone you know have trouble using or answering the telephone? The Coalition of Texans with Disabilities (CTD), with a grant from The Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, provides outreach efforts in Southeast, Northeast, West, North, and Central Texas.
The Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program (STAP), allows Texans who have trouble using a regular telephone (due to vision, hearing, mobility, speech or cognitive disabilities) to receive FREE specialized telecommunications equipment, regardless of the actual price of the equipment (Usually $200 - $1,500).
Equipment includes, but is not limited to the following:
- Amplified telephones
- Emergency Response Telephones
- Augmentative communication software and hardware
- TTYs
- Big button telephones
- Braille telephones
- Hands-free telephones with switch capability
- Speech communication aids, picture telephones
- Anti-stuttering devices
- Artificial larynxes
If you or someone you know might benefit from this service or have any questions, please contact Del Chavez, Regional STAP Coordinator, at dgc@whc.net , (915) 751-4375..
Become a Member of the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities
Your Membership Counts with CTD!
Click on www.cotwd.org for more information.
JUNE 2006
CONTENTS:
- CTD’s 28TH Annual Convention 2006-Sept. 22-24, 2006
- VOTEXAS Q & A with Texas Secretary of State Roger Williams
- State Candidates to CTD Convention: See Who’s Already Confirmed!
- Climber Brings Focus to Team Everest
- Property Taxes Reduced OR NOT ?
- STAP Program: Free Accessible Phones
*********SAVE THE DATE**********
Raise Your Voice!, the 28th Annual Convention of the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities (CTD)
To be held on September 22-24, 2006, an opportune date for two reasons: the November 2006 elections and the 2007 Texas Legislative Session. These two events will be the focus of program activities. Vote smart and advocate smart!
Make your hotel reservations and REGISTER via mail or on-line at www.cotwd.org/convention.html today for this important event!
*****Q & A VOTEXAS w/ Roger Williams****
- Q: What was wrong with punch cards? They worked for me.
- A: Human and mechanical errors sometimes occur with punch cards and other previous voting methods. When used correctly, electronic voting devices eliminate many of those errors.
- Q: Is it true that electronic voting machines were at fault in tabulating votes incorrectly?
- A: No. The new electronic machines worked correctly. Any problems that arose in the primaries were due to human error. In preparation for the November 7 general election, additional training will be provided.
- Q: How do I know if I am registered to vote? And where can I go to register?
- A: Contact your county voter registration office to check your status or to register to vote. A complete list of Texas county election offices can be found atwww.sos.state.tx.us/elections/voter/county.html.
- Q: What if when I show up to vote my name does not appear on the voter registration roll?
- A: The poll worker will provide you with a "provisional ballot," allowing you to cast a vote. Later, once your eligibility is confirmed by the state, your vote will be counted.
You can learn more about VOTEXAS on the Web at www.votexas.org. There you will find an event schedule as well as additional information about voting in your area!
CTD has invited all four 2006 gubernatorial candidates to speak at the CTD convention on disability related issues
- Chris Bell, Democratic candidate CONFIRMED
- Comptroller Carole Strayhorn, Independent candidate CONFIRMED
- Governor Rick Perry, Republican candidate INVITED *
- Kinky Friedman, Independent candidate INVITED *
- Barbara Ann Radnofsky, Democratic candidate for US Senate CONFIRMED
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Climber with double amputation brings renewed focus on Team Everest!
Mt. Everest has again drawn attention to the capabilities of people with disabilities. On May 15, New Zealand mountaineer Mark Inglis, a person with two lower leg amputations, reached the summit of Mt. Everest. Inglis wore prosthetic steel and carbon fibre limbs.
The single climber with a disability has brought a renewed focus on the remarkable achievements of CTD’s Team Everest expedition ( www.teameverest03.org). CTD’s extraordinary team of 15 people with diverse disabilities, including five who use wheelchairs, twice made history; first as the largest cross-disability team to reach Mt. Everest Base Camp, then when Expedition Leader Gary Guller became the first person with an arm amputation to summit the world’s tallest mountain. Guller, who did not use a prosthesis, and CTD have since teamed again to create a highly inspirational multimedia presentation on Team Everest with incredible images and Gary’s first hand accounts. For information on booking a presentation, contact dborel@cotwd.org
Property Taxes Reduced, OR NOT?
Seniors, Homeowners with Disabilities Won’t Get Tax Cut
In the recent special session of the Texas Legislature on public school finance, media reports and state leaders focused on new laws that would give homeowners a reduction in their property taxes. But senior and disabled homeowners were left out! That’s because property taxes of seniors and people with disabilities were “frozen” under existing laws, and it took a special provision to deal with frozen property taxes. That special legislation to include seniors and people with disabilities was approved by the House, but not by the Senate. That legislation died in the Senate Finance Committee, never making it to the Senate floor for a vote by the entire Senate.
More than 1.3 million senior citizens and people with disabilities in Texas will receive no property tax relief. Think about this for a minute. The reason for frozen property taxes is that longstanding Texas public policy recognizes that the overall public is best served when homeowners with fixed incomes can stay in their homes rather than be forced out by increasing taxes. The freeze was never intended to punish these homeowners—some of the state’s most disadvantaged citizens—in the event of a reduction.
Here’s another part of the tax reduction that might get your attention. To help offset the property tax reduction, some other forms of taxes were increased. Ultimately, those other taxes will be paid by individuals. It includes those who did not get the property tax reduction right along with all those who did get the property tax reduction. In effect, those who did not get the property tax reduction will end up paying more in other taxes, to help pay for the tax cuts given to everyone else.
CTD will support legislation in the 2007 Legislative Session to provide proportionate tax relief for seniors and people with disabilities currently receiving a freeze on tax increases as other homeowners would receive. Meanwhile, this is an election year and a great opportunity for YOU to ask your legislative candidates to commit to making this issue a top priority in 2007.
Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program (STAP)
Do you or someone you know have trouble using or answering the telephone?
The Coalition of Texans with Disabilities (CTD), with a grant from The Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, provides outreach efforts in far West Texas.
The Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program (STAP), allows Texans who have trouble using a regular telephone (due to vision, hearing, mobility, speech or cognitive disabilities) to receive FREE specialized telecommunications equipment, regardless of the actual price of the equipment (Usually $200 - $1,500). Equipment includes, but is not limited to the following:
- Amplified telephones
- Emergency response telephones
- Augmentative communication software and hardware
- TTYs
- Big button telephones
- Braille telephones
- Hands-free telephones with switch capability
- Speech communication aids, picture telephones
- Anti-stuttering devices
- Artificial larynxes
If you or someone you know living in far West Texas might benefit from this service or have any questions, please contact Del Chavez, Regional STAP Coordinator,
at
dgc@whc.net ,
(915) 751-4375.
For other regions, go to
www.dars.state.tx.us/dhhs/list/shtml
CTD, 316 W. 12th Street Ste. 405, Austin, Texas 78701
Phone: (512) 478-3366
Fax: (512) 478-3370
e-mail: cotwd@cotwd.org