October 2006
Danny Saenz, Jennifer McPhail, Cathy Cranston and Secretary Roger Williams at CTD convention
October 2006 |
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Danny Saenz, Jennifer McPhail, Cathy Cranston and Secretary Roger Williams at CTD convention |
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!
State law requires all polling places meet strict accessibility standards.
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.
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 can vote early in person. During early voting you can vote at any polling place in your county. Early voting ends November 3.
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.
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.
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.
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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