Senator Paul Tsongas
2 Oliver St., 5th Floor
Boston, MA 02109
Phone: (617) 422-0100	Fax: (617) 261-6575
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           PAUL TSONGAS, Democrat for President  
           PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

A major goal of the Tsongas Presidency will be to maximize 
the contribution every citizen can make to our country. 
Unfortunately, millions of American citizens with 
disabilities are being denied their right to full 
participation because of discrimination, lack of educational 
and employment opportunity, government insensitivity and 
other removable obstacles.  Paul Tsongas believes these 
barriers to full citizenship must be removed.

SAFEGUARDING THE RIGHTS OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE DISABILITIES.  
Paul Tsongas is committed to using all the powers of the 
Presidency to ensure the full participation of all people 
with disabilities in our society.  

     The Americans with Disabilities Act.  The Americans 
     with Disabilities Act was an important step for persons
     with disabilities, but more is needed.  Government must 
     make a full commitment to insuring that ADA is properly 
     and broadly implemented.  Business must know what's 
     expected of it, and must receive the technical 
     assistance it needs to comply.  Persons with 
     disabilities must be educated regarding their 
     rights and obligations under ADA.

The Civil Rights Act of 1991.  The Civil Rights Act of 1991
     is a major step in the fight to stop discrimination in 
     the workplace.  Paul Tsongas believes that the next 
     step must be to eliminate the cap on damages that can 
     be awarded in cases of discrimination against people 
     with disabilities.

     The National Voter Registration Act of 1991.  Paul 
     Tsongas supports Federal legislation to allow easier 
     voter registration for every citizen.  The "motor voter" 
     act, which allows voter registration by mail or when 
     drivers licenses or automobile registrations are 
     obtained, would enable many more Americans to 
     participate in government.  Paul Tsongas would also 
     insist that every voting place in America is, in fact, 
     architecturally accessible.

QUALITY, AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE IS THE RIGHT OF EVERY AMERICAN. 
On October 1, 1991, Paul Tsongas announced his "Health For All
Americans" plan - a detailed health care reform proposal that
guarantees health care for everyone and controls costs.  

     The Health For All Americans Plan.  Under this plan, 
     every American receives a generous package of health 
     benefits, and costs are controlled by tough competition
     based on quality and price.  This reform plan won't add 
     to the Federal deficit or increase national health 
     spending.  It will make possible high quality care to 
     all Americans.
     
     No Pre-Existing Condition Limitations.  Under his 
     "Health For All Americans Plan," Paul Tsongas will 
     insure that no one can be denied coverage because of 
     a pre-existing condition.

     Personal Care Assistants.  One of the best ways to 
     enhance the freedom and productivity of persons with 
     disabilities is to provide personal care assistants.  
     Paul Tsongas is committed to increased training and 
     funding for PCAs.  This is an investment that will help 
     the disabled, and save money.


GREATER EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND JOB TRAINING.  Paul 
Tsongas will make educational opportunity for all Americans 
with disabilities a top priority.  As President, he will 
work to expand the availability and quality of special 
education programs, professional education, and job training
to help every American be as productive as possible.  He 
will also work to involve those who use education and job 
training programs in the decisions regarding the programs 
that affect them.

     Greater Funding and Consumer Control of the 
     Rehabilitation Act of 1973.  Title 1 and Title 7 of 
     the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 deserve more funding and 
     explicit mechanisms for greater consumer control.  This 
     will allow more Americans with disabilities to work, 
     and can save money in the long term as more Americans 
     become gainfully employed.  

     Reexamine the Rehabilitation System.  As President, 
     Paul Tsongas would implement a detailed examination of 
     our rehabilitation system, to make sure it is as 
     effective, comprehensive and responsive to consumer 
     needs as possible.

A CHANGE IN ATTITUDE.  No matter how many laws we may pass,
something more is needed.  Americans must change their 
attitudes about their fellow citizens with disabilities.  
Americans must recognize that with a barrier-free 
environment and tailored support, persons with disabilities 
can accomplish and have accomplished great things.  As 
President, Paul Tsongas will lead the effort so that these 
changes in law, programs and attitudes can become reality.


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