THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
July 24, 2009
ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, 2009
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Today we celebrate the 19th anniversary of the enactment of the historic Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Signed into law on July 26, 1990, this landmark legislation established a clear mandate against discrimination on the basis of disability so that people with disabilities would have an equal opportunity to achieve the American Dream.
Our Nation is once again poised to make history for people with disabilities. I am proud to announce that the United States will sign the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in New York on December 13, 2006. The Convention is the first new human rights convention of the 21st century adopted by the United Nations, and it represents a paradigm shift in protecting the human rights of 650 million people with disabilities worldwide. We proudly join the international community in further advancing the rights of people with disabilities.
As we reflect upon the past and look toward a brighter future, we recognize that our country has made great progress. More than ever before, Americans with disabilities enjoy greater access to technology and economic self-sufficiency. More communities are accessible, more children with disabilities learn alongside their peers, and more employers recognize the capabilities of people with disabilities.
Despite these achievements, much work remains to be done. People with disabilities far too often lack the choice to live in communities of their choosing; their unemployment rate is much higher than those without disabilities; they are much likelier to live in poverty; health care is out of reach for too many; and too many children with disabilities are denied a world-class education.
My Administration has met these challenges head-on. We have launched the "Year of Community Living" to help people with disabilities live wherever they choose. We have nearly doubled the funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. I was proud to sign the groundbreaking Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act and the Children's Health Insurance Reauthorization Act, which provides health insurance to millions of additional children. I also lifted the ban on stem cell more research. These measures demonstrate our commitment to leveling the playing field for every person with a disability. My Administration will not rest on these accomplishments, and we will continue to focus on improving the lives of people with disabilities. I encourage States, localities, and communities across the country to cultivate an environment in which the 54 million Americans living with a disability are valued and respected.
Americans have repeatedly affirmed the importance of protecting the human rights and dignity of every member of this great country. Through the steps we have taken, we will continue to build on the ADA and demonstrate our ongoing commitment to promoting, protecting, and ensuring the full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by people with disabilities.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim July 26, 2009, as the Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. I call on Americans across our country to celebrate the progress we have made in protecting the civil rights of people with disabilities and to recognize the step forward we make with the signing of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Inspired by the advances of the last 19 years, let us commit to greater achievements in the years ahead.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fourth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
BARACK OBAMA
originally posted http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Presidential-Proclamation-19th-anniversary-of-the-Americans-with-Disabilities-Act/
Friday, July 24, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Access To Theatre - Free Performances July 31st
Access to Theatre
Boston Center for the Arts
Performances on July 31 at 2:00 and 7:30
BOSTON, MA – In partnership with the Boston Center for the Arts’ (BCA) Cyclorama Residency Series, Partners for Youth with Disabilities, Until Tomorrow Productions, and VSA arts of Massachusetts, Access to Theatre will present an original production on July 31, 2009 at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm, in the Cyclorama at the Boston Center for the Arts, 539 Tremont Street in Boston’s South End.
Created by, with, and for young people (ages 13-24) with and without disabilities, Access to Theatre (ATT), provides fully accessible participatory theater arts experiences, enabling youth to develop creative expression, self-esteem, friendship, and leadership skills. Participants work with professional artists to stage and create original theater productions.
A Cyclorama Residency Series Program at the Boston Center for the Arts since 1997, Access to Theatre has worked with over 600 young people in over 42 original productions for 30,000 audience members. Through these programs, participants explore movement/dance, music, spoken word and the countless combinations that can be created in an artistic experience that will be influenced by the audience.
Access to Theatre will be in residence at the BCA from July 13 – July 31, 2009, and will culminate in two performances of an original production on Friday, July 31, at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm. All performances are wheelchair accessible, ASL interpreted and Audio Described. Performances are free and open to the public; donations are accepted.
Originally posted by Alex Freeman Partners for Youth with Disabilities
Boston Center for the Arts
Performances on July 31 at 2:00 and 7:30
BOSTON, MA – In partnership with the Boston Center for the Arts’ (BCA) Cyclorama Residency Series, Partners for Youth with Disabilities, Until Tomorrow Productions, and VSA arts of Massachusetts, Access to Theatre will present an original production on July 31, 2009 at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm, in the Cyclorama at the Boston Center for the Arts, 539 Tremont Street in Boston’s South End.
Created by, with, and for young people (ages 13-24) with and without disabilities, Access to Theatre (ATT), provides fully accessible participatory theater arts experiences, enabling youth to develop creative expression, self-esteem, friendship, and leadership skills. Participants work with professional artists to stage and create original theater productions.
A Cyclorama Residency Series Program at the Boston Center for the Arts since 1997, Access to Theatre has worked with over 600 young people in over 42 original productions for 30,000 audience members. Through these programs, participants explore movement/dance, music, spoken word and the countless combinations that can be created in an artistic experience that will be influenced by the audience.
Access to Theatre will be in residence at the BCA from July 13 – July 31, 2009, and will culminate in two performances of an original production on Friday, July 31, at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm. All performances are wheelchair accessible, ASL interpreted and Audio Described. Performances are free and open to the public; donations are accepted.
Originally posted by Alex Freeman Partners for Youth with Disabilities
Monday, July 20, 2009
My First Two Events!
Going to my first event as Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts emanated feelings of both excitement and nervousness. My first event was at Faneuil Hall in Boston to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) in their “fill the boot” fundraiser. Upon arrival, I met a friendly Boston firefighter named Dennis. Dennis was shouting “Help us fill the boot!”. I waited to meet Kate McTighe, who was the coordinator of the event, to find out how I could help. The weather was perfect—sunny and warm. There were streams of people continuously flowing toward Faneuil Hall. In these tough economic times, it seems hard to be able to fundraise since everyone is watching every nickel and dime. But, to my surprise, they were many people who came up to Dennis and I to donate. It was a testament to the generosity of people.
Kate arrived and told me to help out with whatever I wanted. I started off at the table with Dennis but slowly moved over to the antique fire engine where the little kids raced to be the next one to put on a fire fighters jacket and get in to “drive”. I brought my dog, Jackson, as an ice breaker to meet people and start a conversation. It worked and many people approached me to ask me questions. I try to be as open as I can so I shared my story of being diagnosed with MD and how it has affected my life thus far. The event seemed to be a success and many people were able to give to a great cause. I hope to work with Kate and the MDA again.
My second event happened to occur the next day. I traveled to Boston again to the Children’s Museum and their “Access Ability” exhibit. I met with Ellen Thompson who brought me up to the exhibit and showed me around. The exhibit was fantastic! There were all kinds of sensory and interactive ways to learn about people with disabilities. My personal favorite (and maybe I’m biased) was when kids could sit in a child-sized wheelchair, wheel up a ramp, open a door, and then try to retrieve something on a shelf. Kids seemed to have fun with this but also experienced first hand what it’s like to be in a wheelchair. I met many kids from all over—North Carolina, Virginia, even Great Britain! The kids were so enthralled with the exhibit and seemed to gain knowledge about people with disabilities (even if they didn’t realize it!). Ellen also explained that this exhibit would be traveling the country to give other museums an opportunity to expose kids to the experience. It was a great event and something that is very important to disability awareness.
As Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts, I am grateful to be able to participate in such great events. I look forward to seeing you all at the next one!
Ashley
Kate arrived and told me to help out with whatever I wanted. I started off at the table with Dennis but slowly moved over to the antique fire engine where the little kids raced to be the next one to put on a fire fighters jacket and get in to “drive”. I brought my dog, Jackson, as an ice breaker to meet people and start a conversation. It worked and many people approached me to ask me questions. I try to be as open as I can so I shared my story of being diagnosed with MD and how it has affected my life thus far. The event seemed to be a success and many people were able to give to a great cause. I hope to work with Kate and the MDA again.
My second event happened to occur the next day. I traveled to Boston again to the Children’s Museum and their “Access Ability” exhibit. I met with Ellen Thompson who brought me up to the exhibit and showed me around. The exhibit was fantastic! There were all kinds of sensory and interactive ways to learn about people with disabilities. My personal favorite (and maybe I’m biased) was when kids could sit in a child-sized wheelchair, wheel up a ramp, open a door, and then try to retrieve something on a shelf. Kids seemed to have fun with this but also experienced first hand what it’s like to be in a wheelchair. I met many kids from all over—North Carolina, Virginia, even Great Britain! The kids were so enthralled with the exhibit and seemed to gain knowledge about people with disabilities (even if they didn’t realize it!). Ellen also explained that this exhibit would be traveling the country to give other museums an opportunity to expose kids to the experience. It was a great event and something that is very important to disability awareness.
As Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts, I am grateful to be able to participate in such great events. I look forward to seeing you all at the next one!
Ashley
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Help Send Ashley to the Ms. Wheelchair America Pageant
Ashley's family and friends are putting on a fundraiser to send Ashley to South Dakota to compete in the Ms. Wheelchair America 2010 pageant in August.
When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday August 1st, 2009
Where: Bostonville on Rt. 1 in Lynnfield, MA
What: $20 for all you can eat pizza, chicken/broccoli/ziti, salad, and soda.
Why: Ashley has won the title of Ms. Wheelchair MA! Come out and support her quest to nationals in South Dakota. There is plenty to do: arcade games, watch the Red Sox in HD, and great food!
If you are unable to attend but would still like to make a donation, please mail check or M.O. to:
Ms. Wheelchair MA Foundation P.O. Box 168 Raynham, MA 02767-0168. Please include Ashley's name on the memo line.
When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday August 1st, 2009
Where: Bostonville on Rt. 1 in Lynnfield, MA
What: $20 for all you can eat pizza, chicken/broccoli/ziti, salad, and soda.
Why: Ashley has won the title of Ms. Wheelchair MA! Come out and support her quest to nationals in South Dakota. There is plenty to do: arcade games, watch the Red Sox in HD, and great food!
If you are unable to attend but would still like to make a donation, please mail check or M.O. to:
Ms. Wheelchair MA Foundation P.O. Box 168 Raynham, MA 02767-0168. Please include Ashley's name on the memo line.
Support the Disability History Bill
The Disability History Bill hearing will be tomorrow at 12pm in Room B-1 at the State House in Boston MA.
Please spread the word and try to be there to testify in support of this bill.
Also contact both your Senator and Representative and ask them to go to the hearing and support the bill.
Orginally posted on Facebook by Stacy Rogers
Please spread the word and try to be there to testify in support of this bill.
Also contact both your Senator and Representative and ask them to go to the hearing and support the bill.
Orginally posted on Facebook by Stacy Rogers
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Beware: Fraudulent Email Is Circulating About Ms Wheelchair Massachusetts Foundation regarding fundraising
There has been a fraudulent email circulating about the Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts Foundation (MWMF) in recent weeks.
Please disregard any emails you receive that say the Attorney General is investigating the Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts Foundation for illegal fundraising (you may also want to ask the sender to remove your email from the spam list).
THIS IS NOT TRUE
The source of this email is claiming that MWMF has not registered as a "Public Charity," and therefore has no "Certificate of Solicitation" to fundraise. However, the MWMF is registered as a public charity, AG#049560 and does have a Certificate for Solicitation.
In addition, MWMF is actually exempt from having a Certificate of Solitation because we meet the requirements of section 2 below.
Please see the following statute which exempts our organization from needing this certificate.
Overview of Solicitation: "M.G.L. c. 68, s. 18, defines commercial co-venturer, professional fundraising counsel, professional solicitor, and solicitation.The following two categories of charitable organizations are not required to have a “Certificate of Solicitation”:
1. An organization that is primarily religious in purpose; or
2. An organization that does not raise or receive contributions from the public in excess of $5,000 during a calendar year or does not receive contributions from more than ten persons during a calendar year, if all of their functions, including fundraising activities, are performed by persons who are not paid for their services and if no part of their assets or income inures to the benefit of, or is paid to, any officer or members (M.G.L. c. 68, s. 20).
Please feel free to contact the Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts Foundation if you have any questions regarding this spam, or visit www.mass.gov/ago . And remember, you can't believe everything you read in unsolicited bulk emails.
Please disregard any emails you receive that say the Attorney General is investigating the Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts Foundation for illegal fundraising (you may also want to ask the sender to remove your email from the spam list).
THIS IS NOT TRUE
The source of this email is claiming that MWMF has not registered as a "Public Charity," and therefore has no "Certificate of Solicitation" to fundraise. However, the MWMF is registered as a public charity, AG#049560 and does have a Certificate for Solicitation.
In addition, MWMF is actually exempt from having a Certificate of Solitation because we meet the requirements of section 2 below.
Please see the following statute which exempts our organization from needing this certificate.
Overview of Solicitation: "M.G.L. c. 68, s. 18, defines commercial co-venturer, professional fundraising counsel, professional solicitor, and solicitation.The following two categories of charitable organizations are not required to have a “Certificate of Solicitation”:
1. An organization that is primarily religious in purpose; or
2. An organization that does not raise or receive contributions from the public in excess of $5,000 during a calendar year or does not receive contributions from more than ten persons during a calendar year, if all of their functions, including fundraising activities, are performed by persons who are not paid for their services and if no part of their assets or income inures to the benefit of, or is paid to, any officer or members (M.G.L. c. 68, s. 20).
Please feel free to contact the Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts Foundation if you have any questions regarding this spam, or visit www.mass.gov/ago . And remember, you can't believe everything you read in unsolicited bulk emails.
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