Where the Presidential Candidates Stand on Disabilities

In case anyone has forgotten, "saying" you support people and their problems, is not the same as actually supporting. I know, it is hard to believe that pretty words and a wink or pat on the back don't mean action.

So let's examine where the action is:

First, here is a side by side comparison of McCain vs. Obama's positions on disability issues:
Click here

What I see when I read this is that McCain opposes several extremely important bills like the Community Choices Act and the CLASS Act to support people with disabilities or has no plan for some.

Second, I checked as deeply as I could into Sarah Palin's record on supporting issues affecting people with disabilities. What I learned is that she cut special ed funding in Alaska and that people with disabilities who live in Alaska have to go out of state for services. They are literally flown out of state. How is that advocacy for people with disabilities?

Here's an article about some advocates reactions to her pretty words:
Medical News Today

Third, I learned that Republicans in Colorado are opposing Amendment 51, a bill to fund desperately-needed, life-saving services for people with disabilities.

If this is all about how the government should not provide money to provide services because that is not what the government is supposed to do (that's how I understand their position), what exactly is the alternative? Currently, government funding from taxes goes to nonprofits (in Colorado anyway) that provide the services. It isn't the government providing the services like we often hear. (And that isn't what would happen with a national heathcare plan either).

Where do Repulican families go to get services? How do they pay for them out of pocket (at a rate of between about $25-70K per year?) Is that what we are all supposed to be able to do? How can I do that?

I want to hear about real solutions to these issues that are in the works NOW. Not an "idea" or statement that says "parents, communities and churches should step up to the plate." (A quote from a local Republican). Where are these community organizations and churches that are providing these free services?

Be informed before you vote. And, as always...
Vote Yes on 51