Oct 14, 2008 12:03 pm US/Central
People With Disabilities Question Candidates
McCain, Obama Campaigns Discuss Issues That Matter Most To Those With Disabilities
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
People with disabilities are interested in the same campaign issues as everyone else, but there are few others about which many people with specific needs feel strongly.
CBS station WBBM-TV Disabilities Reporter Jim Mullen asked people with disabilities what they wanted to know from the candidates. He asked what the Barack Obama and John McCain's respective campaigns to supply written answers to questions on those issues.
Typically, the candidates can be seen talking about the economy, foreign policy, and of course, each other. But disabilities issues rarely come up as a subject, and those affected by them want that to change.
"We are a part of the mainstream community, and we should be factored in," said Gary Arnold.
Among the most significant concerns for those with disabilities are jobs. Unemployment is estimated at 70 percent or more for the disabled.
"I want to know what the candidates are going to do about employment issues and discrimination," said Sam Martarano.
Both candidates are strong supporters of the new amendments to the Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA protects the civil and employment rights of the disabled.
Obama would also reinstate an executive order to require the federal government to hire more people with disabilities.
Housing is also a major concern. "There's a lot of accessible, affordable housing for people," said Monica Heffner.
Obama "supports examining additional approaches to increase accessible affordable housing, and would ensure federal housing programs for the disabled are sufficiently funded." The McCain camp says the senator has dealt with affordable housing "as it relates to disabled veterans… following the Gulf War, he developed a program to ensure housing loan benefits for war veterans."
Arnold added, "A very significant issue is access to long-term care."
The Community Choice Act would give people with disabilities the choice to receive services in their own home, or in a small community setting, rather than in institutions. Obama is a co-sponsor of the act, and McCain would support the program as long as it's financially sound and the federal government can afford it.
There are other questions we posed to the McCain and Obama campaigns. Here is where they stand on:
Autism: The combating autism act of 2006 requires the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and implement a strategic plan for research, screening, intervention and education.
McCain: "John McCain is a co-sponsor of the Combating Autism Act of 2006. John McCain believes this legislation will increase awareness and public screening of autism spectrum disorder, and will promote the use of evidence based interventions and also create centers for research."
Obama: "Barack Obama supports the Combating Autism Act which was signed into law in December 2006. As a U.S. Senator, Obama has worked to fully fund the Combating Autism Act. And, as president, Barack Obama will work toward full funding of the Combating Autism Act and work with Congress, parents and ASD experts to determine how to further improve federal and state programs."
The Americans With Disabilities Restoration Act: This proposed legislation would revise the ADA's definition of disability to extend protections beyond restrictions imposed by recent supreme court rulings, especially for people whose impairments are fully or partially managed by medications or assistive devices. This would, for example, apply to someone who is not totally blind, but "legally" blind, or someone not totally deaf, but still hard of hearing.
McCain: "John McCain supports this legislation. In 1990, John McCain was a co-sponsor of the landmark 1990 ADA. He believes that Congress must assume responsibiltiy in clarifying and strengthing the law in light of the U.S. Supreme Court's recent interpretations of the ADA."
Obama: "Barack Obama was a co-sponsor of the ADA Amendments Act, which President Bush just signed into law. The ADA Amendments Act restores the original intent of Congress to protect the civil rights of all Americans with disabilities. But this entire process shows why we need judges who will honor the intent of the ADA and similar laws designed to protect the civil rights of all Americans. Senator Obama has pledged to appoint just this type of judge."
The Mental Health Parity Act of 2007: This bill would require health plans that provide coverage for serious mental health issues is provided on the same terms as other illnesses. For example, parents of mentally ill children often struggle to pay for health services not covered by their insurer.
McCain: "John McCain supports the Mental Health Parity Act of 2007. He believes mental health is a necessary component to physical health in all aspects of our daily lives."
Obama: "Barack Obama is a co-sponsor of this legislation. Indeed, he is a long-time supporter of mental health parity legislation on both the federal and state levels. For example, Obama helped pass Illinois' mental health parity law as a State Senator."
A permanent post dedicated to disabilities policy: This calls for the creation and appointment of a permanent assistant to the president for disability policy at the White House
McCain: "John McCain needs look no further than to his vice-president Sarah Palin. She will be the first VP to raise a special needs child. Her connection to the disabled and special needs families throughout this nation is personal and compelling. You will find no greater advocate."
Obama: "Barack Obama supports the idea of creating a permanent position of an Assistant to the President on Disability Policy in the White House."
In answering WBBM-TV's questions, the The McCain campaign was represented by Illinois State Rep. Jim Durkin, and the Obama campaign was represented by Communications Director Justin DeJong.
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