We are excited to announce that thanks to the ongoing efforts of our siblings at ADAPT, Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Representative Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) have set a date to reintroduce the Disability Integration Act (S. 910 / H.R. 2472) in the next Congress! Please see the message from Anita Cameron below for more information and please mark your calendars for January 15, 2019!
To celebrate the DIA’s introduction in the 116th Congress, NCIL and ADAPT will be holding a celebratory introduction event in DC. We also plan to make video and audio of the introduction event available so CILs, local ADAPT chapters, and other local groups who are interested can hold watch parties, press events, and other celebrations alongside us!
We hope you’ll join us, because we have reason to celebrate: NCIL, ADAPT, and other leaders in the disability community have set an expectation that the House of Representatives will pass the DIA before the ADA’s next anniversary (July 26, 2019). And this is completely achievable! The DIA has already garnered an incredible amount of support, with 143 cosponsors in the House and 25 cosponsors in the Senate. And that’s in addition to nearly 800 organizations signing onto the DIA supporter list.
NCIL has been working with ADAPT on the Disability Integration Act (DIA) for years, and we are confident the 116th Congress will be the one to pass DIA into law. We will be sending more information as the date nears, but please start thinking and planning for an event at your CIL on January 15th!
Message from Anita Cameron Regarding DIA Reintroduction
ADAPT is excited to announce that we have been working with the sponsors of the Disability Integration Act (DIA), Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI), and they plan to reintroduce DIA on January 15, 2019!
We are working with the sponsors to secure a room in DC for an introduction event and reception to follow. We plan to make video and audio of the introduction event available so local groups – like ADAPT chapters, Centers for Independent Living and such – will be able to hold Watch Parties and organize their own events.
January 15th is ADAPT’s Freedom Day, a day ADAPTers honor the work and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by doing simultaneous actions and activities around the country to protect the civil rights of people with disabilities. Wade Blank, the founder of ADAPT, marched with Dr. King in Selma, Alabama. Because of this, and the work of other early ADAPTers who worked extensively in the Civil Rights Movement, the Intersectionality Workgroup suggested the 90th anniversary of the birth of Dr. King as the day to reintroduce DIA, which would give disabled people the civil right to live at home with the services and supports we need to remain independent.
It is truly exciting that legislation giving civil rights to the disability community will be reintroduced on the birthday of a civil rights icon!
Save the date and stay tuned for more information on how your ADAPT chapter, your organization, or Center for Independent Living can participate locally and in Washington, DC. If you want more information, feel free to contact me by email at [email protected].
FREE OUR PEOPLE!!!
Anita Cameron
ADAPT Intersectionality Workgroup
