Hundreds of “Freedom Rider” advocates convened on the Capitol Steps for
Disability Rights Rally 2009
May 7, 2009
Each Spring a coalition of advocacy organizations invite people with disabilities, family members, policy makers, business leaders, and providers to gather at the state Capitol to celebrate our accomplishments, friendships, advocacy and community. Over the last two years our policymakers have ensured funding was available for over 3,500 people with disabilities to receive New Opportunities Waiver Slots!
At the 2009 Disability Rights Rally more than 1000 people showed their support to these legislators!
This annual rally was held to promote Louisiana moving to a culture of supporting and accepting individuals with disabilities as full contributing and inclusive members of their communities. The issues legislators were asked to consider include:
· Adding NOW slots to HB1 to help End the Wait for more than 9,000 people currently on the waiting list.
· Requiring DHH to close and sell under used Developmental Centers.
· Restoration of provider rates impacted by recent cuts.
Keynote Speaker at the Disability Rights Rally 2009
Jim Comstock-Galagan
Jim Comstock-Galagan is the Executive Director and Senior Attorney for the Southern Disability Law Center. He has served as the Executive Director of Advocacy, Inc. the Texas Protection and Advocacy Program and the Legal Director for the Advocacy Center of Louisiana. His entire 30 year legal career has been devoted to advocating for the rights of people with disabilities.
Participants let Legislators know they were coming!
Rally participants contacted their legislators and let them know they would be at the Capitol for the Rally. Many legislators came out on the Capitol steps and met their constituents participating in the Rally. Many participants also had meetings with their legislators directly before and after the rally. This served as an opportunity for them to share their stories and requests.
Rally Planning Organizations
The Disability Rights Rally 2009 was organized and supported through the collaborative efforts of the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council, the Arc of Louisiana, The Advocacy Center, LaCAN, Families Helping Families Regional Resource Centers, LSU-Human Development Center, and People First of Louisiana. The Rally Planning Organizers would like to express appreciation to the corporations, organizations, and individuals who have made contributions to the Rally. Specific thanks go out to:
· Coca-Cola Bottling Company
· The Arc of Baton Rouge
· Hollywood Casino
· The ARC of Iberia
· Live Music
Thousands rally for state disability assistance – (WBRZ May 8, 2009)
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