via the White House (6.22.11):
On Anniversary of Olmstead, Obama Administration Recommits to Assist Americans with Disabilities
On June 22, 1999, the Supreme Court ruled in Olmstead v. L.C. that, under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the unjustified institutional isolation of people with disabilities was a form of unlawful discrimination. Since taking office, the Obama Administration has taken many steps to uphold both the letter and the spirit of the ADA.
“The landmark Olmstead case affirmed the rights of Americans with disabilities to live independently,” said President Obama. “On this anniversary, let’s recommit ourselves to building on the promise of Olmstead by working to end all forms of discrimination, and uphold the rights of Americans with disabilities and all Americans.”
Since the Olmstead ruling, much progress has been made. Many individuals have successfully transitioned to community settings, but waiting lists for community services have grown considerably and many individuals who would like to receive community services are not able to obtain them...
If O'bama is so concerned as he pretends to be why has he froze the cost of living raise. I am totally and permanently disabled and I get 20.00 in food stamps how about given the disabled more food stamps since you don't want to increase the Social Security Disability. I can't even eat much less pay the bills. Every day is a stress at age:55. Spouse abuse was my cause of the disability and I am tried of bill collectors, treats from the bill collector who have done me wrong for one being disabled and two being a divorced disabled woman. Maybe if someone reads this they may care and look into this matter. I don't believe O'Bama or the State of Florida cares. My home needs restoration so it can be safe and liviable but cant afford anything. Linda [email protected]
Posted by: Linda Galster | June 24, 2011 at 03:21 PM
President Obama's understandings and views of the middle- and lower-classes are spot-on and incredibly rare for any politician, let alone a sitting president. Unfortunately, his political instincts for congressional gamemanship and survivability overwhelm everything he knows he knows to be morally right.
I don't believe Obama's public statements are at odds with his private beliefs; I just don't believe he has the courage to put the needs of the people he's sworn to protect and uphold above his own personal ambitions.
As long as the Democratic National Committee serves as the sitting president's backbone the needs and rights of people with disabilities will never be fully addressed or met. President Obama can proclaim his commitment to justice and equality, and progressive politics in general, as often and loud as he likes, but he and every other politician with progressive beliefs will be stifled with the suffocating power of a predatorial political committee that couldn't care less about anything other than its own authority.
Posted by: Christopher Todd | June 24, 2011 at 04:01 PM