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February 13, 2009

The BrainStorm program is coming together!

April 5 and 6 Austin, Texas

Marc Zupan

The lineup of convention speakers is starting to come together. CTD is proud to announce that the star of the film “Murderball”, motivational speaker, and gold medal winning paralympian, Mark Zupan (left, with Gov. Rick Perry and CTD's Jodi Park and Dennis Borel), will be speaking at this year’s convention! Mr. Zupan’s story and message has inspired thousands of people.

In addition to Mr. Zupan, CTD is working on confirming a keynote speaker from the Texas Legislature. Check the CTD website often for up to date information on BrainStorm ’09. And don’t forget to register for the convention today! For information on registration and to download forms go to www.cotwd.org.

Brainstorm: Advocacy. Interactive Learning. Networking. CEUs. Capitol Visits.

Advocate at the Capitol!

  • Reduce the Medicaid Community Services Waiting Lists!
  • Livable Wages for Community Care Attendants!
  • Reform of the State School System and Rebalance Long Term Services and Supports from Institutions to the Community!
  • Are you from San Angelo, Galveston, Bryan/College Station, Collin County or the Texoma region? From those five priority areas, three new centers for independent living would be established.
  • Are you offended that Texas claims sovereign immunity from the ADA and its protections against discrimination based on disability? Then support the ADA bill filed by Rep. Strama and Sen. Hinojosa!
  • Plus many more key issues!

The Legislative Spotlight…

HB 849: Many Texans react in disbelief that Texas claims sovereign immunity from the ADA and may not be held accountable for discriminatory acts of state agencies, universities, facilities, programs or other state activities. Advocate for HB 849 to forever end this offensive practice.

Increase wages for community attendants: Attendants for consumers in Medicaid community services have some of the worst paying jobs, many of them earn minimum wage, and receive no benefits. Advocate for an increase to a livable wage for these critical direct care workers.