From Disability Rights in Voter Empowerment (DRIVE)
2054 Main St.
Concord, MA  01742
Phone:  (508) 371-0992

August 16, 1992


Dear Disability Advocate:

In this second broad mailing during the 1992 presidential campaign,
we bring you Bill Clinton's position paper on disability issues,
and two essays written by persons with disabilities in support of
the Democratic and Republican party nominees.  We hope you will
distribute this information via your newsletter or other means so
that citizens with disabilities can make informed choices when they
vote in November.
The first mailing included position papers from Republican George
Bush and Democrats Tom Harkin, Bob Kerrey, and Paul Tsongas.  After
that, we received papers from Democrats Jerry Brown and Bill
Clinton, whose is included here as the remaining, relevant one.  We
never received papers from former Republican candidates Pat
Buchanon and David Duke or Independent Ross Perot.
The enclosed essays are written by appointees of President George
Bush and Governor Bill Clinton.  They know their candidates well on
disability issues and provide us with some personal perspectives. 
Justin Dart is Chair of the President's Committee on Employment of
People with Disabilities;  Bobby Simpson is Director of the
Arkansas Department of Rehabilitation Services.
Who will be our next president?  What about our next Senator,
Representative, Governor, Mayor, etc.?  Why does it matter to
people with disabilities?  Let's take a brief, nonpartisan look at
how it matters and what we can do.
In 1976 several persons with disabilities were part of the team
assembled in Atlanta to draft candidate Jimmy Carter's position
paper on disability issues.  This paper bore Carter's commitment to
Independent Living.  Thus it matters to the thousands of people who
receive services today from one of our nation's nearly 500
Independent Living Centers.
In 1988 many people with disabilities worked on the presidential
campaigns of George Bush and Mike Dukakis.  They convinced both to
endorse the proposed Americans with Disabilities Act.  It matters
to 43 million Americans whose civil rights are finally law.
Presidents Carter and Bush could have opposed these progressive
policies.  Strong sentiments in the disability community, however,
made such opposition politically unattractive.
If you are satisfied with our country now, then it may not matter
to you who is elected.  But if you think we can do better, here are
some ways you can help.
First, study each candidate's record, views, and plans--especially
on policy affecting people with disabilities.  Common concerns
include ADA enforcement, universal health care, personal assistance
services, and productive employment.
Next, get involved in an electoral campaign.  You can have more
influence by joining with other disability advocates and requesting
a meeting with senior campaign staff.  Educate them about our
issues, ask for commitments, and volunteer to help run a campaign
that is accessible and responsive to people with disabilities.
Campaign offices and stops can be selected or accommodated for
wheelchair and other physical access.  Materials can be made
available in alternative formats such as large print, cassette, and
computer disk to benefit persons who are blind.  Tdd's can be
installed and interperters can be provided.  Speeches, interviews,
and advertisements can make positive references to the presence and
concerns of people with disabilities.
Finally, help get out the vote on election day.  Provide address
lists for reminder mailings, help staff a phone bank, or assist
people with transportation to the polls.
Research has shown that the disability constituency can supply the
"swing vote" in a close election.  By being active in the process,
we can make a pivotal difference in who leads our country, state,
and community in the years to come.
Like the first mailing last March, DRIVE is sending this one to
over a thousand contacts at press sources, independent living
centers, and other disability-related organizations.  We will also
post it again on numerous computer bulletin board systems.  
Please publish or otherwise distribute this information packet to
as wide an audience as possible.  We can find stronger disability
rights in voter empowerment!
Thank you for your help.
Sincerely, Fred Fay, Bonnie O'Day, Jamal Mazrui