ADAPT Storms DC, Demanding Protections for Medicaid Recipients
by Diane Coleman, Center for Disability Rights, Inc.
From ADAPT (5.6.11):
Disability rights activists from ADAPT are back home today after a successful week in Washington, D.C. The focus of the protests was to oppose the Ryan Plan
and threats to block grant and cut Medicaid, due to the impact this would have on seniors and people with disabilities who rely on Medicaid home and community based services to maintain their freedom to live in the community.
As the news coverage below reflects:
- On Monday this week, the activists occupied the Cannon Building rotunda, where a number of Congressional members spoke to them in support, and where 91 were later arrested for refusing to leave.
- On Tuesday, protesters occupied Congressman Ryan’s office and the corridor outside, where 10 in his office were eventually arrested.
- On Wednesday, a delegation from the group met with the “Gang of Six” who are working on the budget, and also with White House officials regarding the Community First Choice Option (which ADAPTsucceeded in pushing as part of health care reform). The group concluded by joining in the Families USA event at the Capitol Visitors Center spotlighting public opposition to the Ryan Plan.
National coverage (there’s more, but this is a sample):
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0511/54157.html
http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/05/03/6578328-disability-rights-group-steps-up-ryan-protests
http://thehill.com/homenews/house/158955-disability-rights-group-protests-at-ryans-office-over-medicaid-funding
YNN coverage of protest and arrest:
http://rochester.ynn.com/content/542162/disability-rights-protesters-arrested-in-dc/
We cannot afford to be silent.
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