Do you vote? You should.

Did you know that in Illinois and through out the nation twenty five
percent of people eligible to vote are disabled? Did you also know that
less than five percent of them even bother to vote? 
There are many issues that are important to people with disabilities
such as affordable housing, Better educational opportunities for
disabled children, better enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities
act, and better assistance for those who need help to stay out of either
institutions or nursing homes. Over seventy percent of people with
disabilities are not employed and many wish to work. No Minority group
of people has been so treated in the united states. 
While Disabled people have made a great deal of progress fighting for
their rights it has been done by means close to begging. We "Educate
people" and, while that is not a bad thing, it doesn't work well enough.
What will work? It is very Simple. Get registered, go out and vote. 
Laws have been past requiring that voting places be made accessible.
Those laws can be inforced, but only if the disabled community, that
means all of us, takes action. If the Politicians see that disabled
people are a voting block they will be more likely to listen. Every
other group from those who are pro choice and anti abortion to the
members of the National Rifle association get out and vote. We should
too. 
Voting is the right of every american citizen, but rights can be
whittled away to become privileges and privileges can be taken away. 
_____________________________________ 
If you agree with what I have just written please coppy it and sent it
on to others. next year we have many choices to make that will affect
disabled people as well as all of America. 
Charles M. Smith

Voting isn't just a right--it's a responsibilty
"Embrace politics as if your life depends on it--because it does." Justin Dart
Coalition For Citizens With Disabilities Iliinois