NACDD network,
Many of you have helped to educate your elected officials about the importance of enforcing the Americans With Disabilities Act. Next week, on Wednesday, February
14 or Thursday, February 15, the House of Representatives may vote on H.R. 620, a dangerous bill that strips away the civil rights of people with disabilities. H.R. 620, the so-called “ADA Education and Reform
Act of 2017,” says that businesses no longer have to be proactive and make sure that they are accessible to people with disabilities. Instead, they can remain inaccessible until
a person with a disability who has been denied access jumps through multiple hoops to notify a business that it is violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and then waits, and waits, up to 6 months or longer for the business to make “progress” in
fixing the problem before he/she can see the doctor, or buy a cake, or eat at a restaurant with friends. This bill is a travesty and upends the intent and purpose of the ADA. No other individuals protected by our civil rights laws are treated this way and
bear this burden. It is unacceptable.
NACDD has sent two letters to the House in opposition to this bill. I’ve attached one that shows organizations from all 50 states.
What can you do to inform elected officials about the importance of maintaining the current protections of the ADA?
1)
Connect with state organizations to see if you can lend your voice to help educate members of the House. (See attached NCIL letter for list of state based
organizations). Consider using social media and traditional media to bring our stories of discrimination to the front of the media’s attention during this critical fight.
2)
Use the attached
list of resources and tool kit of sample tweets, template action alerts, phone scripts, graphics, etc. Feel free to modify and brand to suit your needs. And please share with your affiliates, members, supporters, etc. Coordinated activites start
tomorrow!
a.
On Friday, February 9- Monday, February 12, send EMAIL ACTIONS educating
members of the House that we need more enforcement of ADA, not less. And that HR 620 will harm people with disabilities.
b.
On Monday, February 12, ask your supporters and members to participate
in the Save The ADA CALL IN DAY.
c.
On Tuesday, February 13, let’s get on SOCIAL MEDIA (Twitter, Facebook,
etc.) and post your opposition to HR 620 all day long - #HandsOffMyADA, #StopHR620, #CripTheVote;
d.
On the day of the vote (possibly Wednesday or Thursday),
please CALL and TWEET all day and tell members of the House this bill will harm people with disabilities.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Thank you!
Erin Prangley
Director, Public Policy
National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities
1825 K Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20006
202.506.5813 Ext. 104 (Phone)
202.506.5846 (Fax)