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ADA [Americans with Disabilities Act] 10th [Anniversary]
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ADA [Americans with Disabilities Act] 10th [Anniversary]
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Records of the Office of the Counsel to the President (Clinton Administration)
Jonathan Young's Files
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FOIA Number: 2007-0143-F
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the William J. Clinton
Presidential Library Staff.
Collection/Record Group:
Clinton Presidential Records
Subgroup/Office of Origin:
Counsel Office
Series/Staff Member:
Jonathan Young
Subseries:
OA/ID Number:
40194
FolderID:
Folder Title:
ADA [Americans with Disabilities Act] 10th [Anniversary]
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
S
112
1
5
3
Withdrawal/Redaction Sheet
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
001. letter
Louise McKown to Vice President Albert Gore; RE: Personal
07/22/1999
b(6)
[partial] (1 page)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
Counsel Office
Jonathan Young
OA/Box Number: 40194
FOLDER TITLE:
ADA [Americans with Disabilities Act] 10th [Anniversary]
2007-0143-F
db4486
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information |(a)(1) of the PRA|
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRAJ
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRAJ
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA|
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA|
personal privacy |(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells |(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
)
CONSORTIUM
SCHED
for
CITIZENS
with
DISABILITIES
June 28, 1999
President William J. Clinton
1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
7/26/00 BCSC
Washington, D.C. 20500
7/1/99
Dear Mr. President:
July 26,2000, will mark the 10th Anniversary of the signing of the Americans with
Disabilities Act. The Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), a coalition of nearly
100 national organizations representing the interests of people with disabilities, asks
you torrecognize this important occasion with a celebration at the White House.
We would like to assist in organizing this event and work with your staff to make it a
fitting commemoration of this major civil rights law. We anticipate many people will
participate in events around the country that day, and hope that many more will come to
Washington to observe the progress we have made and recommit to full integration of
people with disabilities into American society.
On-July 26, 1990, thousands of people with disabilities, their friends and families
watched and cheered as President George Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA) on the White House lawn. A celebration of our Independence Day followed
with a picnic on the Ellipse.
Ann Cody of VSA will contact Jonathon Young in early July to inquire into the specifics
of planning this event.
Yours truly,
Paul marchand
Paul Marchand
Chair
CC:
Jonathon Young
White House Communications Office
1730 K Street. NW. Suite 1212
Washington. DC 20006
P11 202/785-3388
FAX 467-4179
CCDatradix.net
www.e-c-d.org
LOUISIANA ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY ACCESS NETWORK
3042 Old Forge Road
Post Office Box 14115
G.R.E.A.T
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70898-4115
POSSIBILITIES
Secretary Donna Shalala
United States Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, DC 20201
July 5, 2000
Dear Secretary Shalala,
I am writing to invite you to be the featured speaker at the statewide event we are hosting on Saturday,
July 29, 2000, to commemorate the 10th anniversary of enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) and the 25th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
We are a nonprofit agency and the designated Tech Act project in Louisiana. Our purposes are to assist
people with disabilities and with functional limitations due to aging find out about and get the most
appropriate assistive technology that will allow them maximum independence and optimum quality of
life and to advocate for universal accessibility to assistive technology. To provide you with more
information about LATAN, I'm enclosing our brochure, our current annual report, and our most recent
quarterly newsletter.
We are planning an all-day, statewide birthday party and family picnic from 9:00a.m. to 6:00p.m. at the
Levee Park in Alexandria ("the crossroads of Louisiana"). Entertainment will consist of an all-day
bluegrass music festival and accessible hot-air balloon rides for children and adults. There is an area for
wheelchairs right in front of the stage, and the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf is providing sign
language interpreting. We are estimating that attendance will be more than 1,000.
The event has been endorsed by all of the major disability-related organizations in the state, including
the Governor's Office on Disability Affairs, Families Helping Families, Louisiana Coalition for Citizens
and Disabilities, Statewide Independent Living Council, Resources for Independent Living, the
Advocacy Center, Louisiana Association of the Deaf, Louisiana Citizens for Action Now, the Mental
Health Association of Louisiana, Louisiana Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities, and the
Louisiana Rehabilitation Council.
We believe this will be a showcase event for the ADA and, therefore, an ideal event for you, on behalf
of the President, to help raise awareness about the contributions and viability of the ADA, about the
availability and benefits of assistive technology, and about the importance of universal access to
assistive technology. We hope you will be able to attend, and we look forward to your reply.
225-925-9500
1-800-270-6185 (V/TT)
225-925-9560 (FAX)
http://www.latan.org
LATAN receives funds from the U.S. Department of Education through the Assistive Technology Act of 1998
NIDRR Grant # H224A10028
LOUISIANA ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY ACCESS NETWORK
3042 Old Forge Road
Post Office Box 14115
G.R.E.A.T
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70898-4115
POSSIBILITIES
We appreciate your consideration of our request.
Cordially,
Shay Clark
Shay Clark
pc: Johnathan Young, Whitehouse Associate Director of Public Liaison and Disabilities Outreach
225-925-9500
1-800-270-6185 (V/TT)
225-925-9560 (FAX)
http://www.latan.org
LATAN receives funds from the U.S. Department of Education through the Assistive Technology Act of 1998
NIDRR Grant # H224A10028
Jul-20-00 : 08A
310 523 3691
P.01
7/20/00
A Minor Consideration
Kid Actors,
Past & Present
www.minorcon.org
Paul Petersen,
President & Founder
(a non-profit foundation)
MR. JOHNATHON YOUNG
PAGE ONE OF TWO
VIA FACSIMILE
(202) 456-0362
RE: THE ADA WHITE HOUSE EVENT, 7/26/00
Dear Mr. Young,
My Washington DC Representative, Ms. Barbara Rew and her husband, Mark,
have just informed me that there will be a reception at the White House on Wednesday
the 26th of July celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Barbara and her husband will be attending the Tuesday night affair with the Vice-
President.
I serve on the Governor Committee for Media Access here in California, and am a
member of the Screen Actors Guild Performers With Disabilities Committee. This
Foundation is, of course, concerned about all children, and the issues surrounding
positive images of the disabled in the media are a vital part of our advocacy.
As it happens I will be in the Capitol on the 26th presenting an ambitious
legislative program at the Department of Labor at Ten in the morning. This is a follow-
up to my speech next Tuesday at the NAGLO Conference (National Association of
Government Labor Officials) in Atlanta. I do not arrive in DC until Tuesday evening.
I had to send regrets on our EDD Sacramento gathering because of my
Washington trip, and now Barbara tells me there is a White House reception. Is it
possible to wrangle an invitation, even at this late hour? My delegation numbers no more
than four.
A Minor Consideration
Tel: (310) 532-1345
1
14530 Denker Avenue
Fax: (310) 523-3691
Gardena, CA 90247
Cell:(310) 344-9686
[email protected]
Jul-20-00 08:09A
310 523 3691
P.02
7/20/00
My presentation at the DoL is from 10 AM until Noon. If the reception falls
outside that time frame I would be most appreciative of the opportunity to attend this
important celebration. My other appointments on The Hill can be rescheduled.
Thank you for your consideration. I am traveling to New York this afternoon, but
I will be on-line, and my cell phone is always with me.
Sincerely,
Paul Petersen, CSE-WSO
President & Founder
A Minor Consideration
A Minor Consideration
Tel: (310) 532-1345
2
14530 Denker Avenue
Fax: (310) 523-3691
Gardena, CA 90247
Cell:(310) 344-9686
[email protected]
06/28/00 WED 13:18 FAX 225 925 9560
LATAN
I
001
COVER
LATAN FAX
SHEET
To:
Jonathan M. Young
Fax #:
202-456-0362
From:
Sandi Parker-Allen R
Fax #:
225-925-9560
Subject:
7/29 ADA Birthday Party - Alexandria, LA
Date:
6/28/2000
Pages, including this cover sheet: 8
COMMENTS:
Jonathan,
Sorry I wasn't able to get this to you yesterday. Apparently, a slow, underground water leak
shorted out power to our building (fried a computer next door!), SO nothing was working
...
including the A/C!
Shay Clark, the person coordinating this event will draft the letter to Sec. Shalala and copy you (it
would help if you'd e-mail me your snail address).
Also, on a different note, would you please e-mail me a copy of the corrected Tech Act info we
discussed? I know that several other projects are 'concerned' and I'd like to try to allay those
concerns.
Don't forget, I'm still going to need a major 'draw' for the December conference (3-6, in Baton
Rouge) and will definitely need you to 'walk me through' the process.
Thanks muchly!
From the desk of
Saundra Parker-Allen
Policy Director
Louisiana Assistive Technology Access Network
P.O. Box 14115
Baton Rouge, LA 70898-4115
225-925-9500 (V/TT)
800-270-6185 (V/TT)
Fax: 225-925-9560
E-mail: [email protected]
06/28/00 WED 13:18 FAX 225 925 9560
LATAN
5
002
LOUISIANA ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY ACCESS NETWORK
3042 OLD FORGE DR
PO BOX 14115
BATON ROUGE, LA 70898-4115
225-925-9500 1-800-270-6185
G.R.E.A.T
POSSIBILITIES
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Shay Clark
Louisiana Assistive Technology Access Network (LATAN)
1-800-270-6185 or 225-925-9500 (Baton Rouge)
Fax: 225-925-9560
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web: www.latan.org
Headline: Statewide Birthday Party for the Americans with Disabilities Act
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, June 27, 2000
A statewide birthday party and family picnic will be held to celebrate the tenth
anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the twenty-fifth anniversary of
the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The event will be held in Alexandria, at
the Levee Park Amphitheater on Saturday, July 29, from 9:00a.m. to 6:00p.m. It is free, and
everyone is invited to join the fun.
There will be a nine-hour bluegrass music festival, featuring bluegrass musicians from
Louisiana and Texas. Hot-air balloon rides for non-disabled and disabled children and adults will
also be available. Families will need to bring their picnic food, nonalcoholic drinks, and picnic
blanket
The event is for everyone in the state; but, for individuals with disabilities, there will be a
wheelchair area in front of the stage, and sign language interpreting will be provided by the
Louisiana Commission for the Deaf.
Laura Brackin, Executive Director of the Governor's Office on Disability Affairs, will be
a featured speaker.
The birthday party is hosted by the Louisiana Assistive Technology Access Network and
sponsored by Semolina of Alexandria. More than a dozen organizations across the state have
endorsed this event, including the Governor's Office on Disability Affairs, Families Helping
Families, the Louisiana Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities, the Statewide Independent
Living Council, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Resources for Independent Living, The
Advocacy Center, ARC of Louisiana, the Louisiana Association of the Deaf, Louisiana Citizens
for Action Now, the Mental Health Association of Louisiana, the Louisiana Planning Council on
Developmental Disabilities, and the Louisiana Rehabilitation Council.
The Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law by President George Bush on
July 16, 1990. It is a federal civil rights law enacted to eliminate discrimination against people
06/28/00 WED 13:18 FAX 225 925 9560
LATAN
003
with disabilities by ensuring equal opportunities in employment, places of public
accommodation, commercial facilities, public and private transportation, telecommunications,
and state and local government services and programs.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act was passed in 1975, to protect the right
of children with disabilities to a free and appropriate public education. It focuses on
accommodations that permit access to the mainstream curriculum. Because of the changes
produced by this law, more than 46% of students with special needs now attend regular classes
and 40% more such students now graduate from high school. Students with disabilities now have
the opportunity to get the same high school diploma as non-disabled students, and increasing
numbers of them are continuing into higher education and joining the workforce.
Details of the birthday party, including directions, are available by calling LATAN at 1-
800-270-6185 (toll-free) or 225-925-9500 (Baton Rouge, voice and TTY).
CONTACT:
Shay Clark
Louisiana Assistive Technology Access Network (LATAN)
1-800-270-6185 or 225-925-9500 (Baton Rouge)
Fax: 225-925-9560
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web: www.latan.org
LATAN is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting access to assistive technology for
everyone, especially individuals with disabilities and functional limitations due to aging.
###
06/28/00 WED 13:19 FAX 225 925 9560
LATAN
1
004
LOUISIANA ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY ACCESS NETWORK
3042 OLD FORGE DR PO BOX 14115
BATON ROUGE, LA 70898-4115
225-925-9500 1-800-270-6185
G.R.E.A.T
POSSIBILITIES
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Shay Clark
Louisiana Assistive Technology Access Network (LATAN)
1-800-270-6185 or 225-925-9500 (Baton Rouge)
Fax: 225-925-9560
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web: www.latan.org
Headline: The Americans with Disabilities Act Is 10 Years Old
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, June 27, 2000
Hailed as the "Civil Rights Act" for people with disabilities, the Americans with
Disabilities Act (the ADA) is 10 years old this year. It was signed into law by President George
Bush on July 26, 1990. The ADA is a federal civil rights law that supplements and complements
other federal and state laws that extend to people with disabilities and to people with functional
limitations due to aging rights and responsibilities that are no more and no less than those that
already exist for other citizens. It was enacted to eliminate discrimination against people with
disabilities by ensuring equal opportunities in employment, places of public accommodation,
commercial facilities, public and private transportation, telecommunications, and state and local
government services and programs.
Approximately 48 million Americans and 26% of Louisianians have physical or mental
-more-
06/28/00 WED 13:19 FAX 225 925 9560
LATAN
I
005
ADA Is 10 Years Old (page 2)
impairments, including chronic health conditions and emotional illnesses, that substantially limit
daily activities, such as walking, talking, seeing, hearing, working, and caring for oneself. They
are all protected by the ADA, which prohibits discriminatory treatment and denial of the right to
participate.
The ADA is based on common sense, equality, and fairness and does not require any
measure that would cause an undue financial or administrative burden. Rather, it is designed to
be a win-win proposition for individuals, government, and businesses. Individuals with
disabilities are not only consumers of special services; they are also consumers of general
products and services available for purchase if buyers can obtain access to them. However, in the
ADA, Congress provided judicial relief for people with disabilities who have been discriminated
against in the areas of employment, access to state and local government facilities and services,
and public accommodations, as well as policies, practices, and procedures.
The First Decade
Much of the legal activity and attention in the ADA's first decade has focused on
employment discrimination. In a much publicized series of decisions a year ago, in June, 1999,
the Supreme Court narrowed a key definition in the ADA of what constitutes a "qualified
individual with disability." The high court held that potential ADA plaintiffs must be evaluated
in their mitigated, or corrected, state to determine whether they are "substantially limited in a
major life activity" and, therefore, disabled.
To many people in the disability community, the equal access provisions of the ADA are
the real heart of the law. In 1999, the Supreme Court handed down a landmark decision that will
-more-
06/28/00 WED 13:19 FAX 225 925 9560
LATAN
I
006
ADA Is 10 Years Old (page 3)
have far-reaching effects on the care of individuals with disabilities. In L.S. V. OLMSTEAD, S.
CT 2176, the court found that states may not unnecessarily segregate and institutionalize
individuals with disabilities and must seek to provide services in the most integrated setting
possible in the community. According to Judith Heumann, herself disabled and currently U.S.
Assistant Secretary of Education, who oversees federal special education, rehabilitation, and
disability research programs, "Disability becomes a tragedy for us only when society fails to
provide the things we need to lead our lives, like job opportunities and barrier-free buildings.
Universal Design for "User-Friendly" Mainstream Accessibility
Justin Dart, the chief proponent in support of the initial ADA legislation, has said that
"the measure of civilization in a culture is the diversity of its members who are allowed to
participate." Over the past 30 years, dramatic advances in medical treatmentand assistive
technology have occurred that now allow more people than ever before who have physical and
mental disabilities to participate in the mainstream of society. People with disabilities are no
longer seen as sick, incapable, and dependent. Instead, their quality of life is measured by their
degree of independence with accommodations, such as augmentative communication devices
and entrance ramps. Auxiliary devices and services and improved accessibility to constructed
facilities permit people with disabilities to participate in and contribute to our commerce and our
culture in increasingly significant ways. And this, according to Dart, "is the first and only
legitimate responsibility of human culture.
The ADA has essentially created a new, universal standard of design for buildings and
products that are usable by all people and allow maximum mainstreaming by people with
-more-
06/28/00 WED 13:20 FAX 225 925 9560
LATAN
0
007
ADA Is 10 Years Old (page 4)
functional limitations. This approach has been termed "Universal Design." For example,
architectural guidelines call for all doorways to be a minimum of 32 inches wide, so that
wheelchair users can enter all buildings and gain access to all inside rooms. The aim is to find
solutions that are usable by everyone or else to provide alternatives that offer a choice when a
solution that accommodates everyone is not available.
According to Ed Roberts, the father of the independent living movement, the disability ,
rights movement has made some of "the most profound social changes ever seen." The ADA
provides individuals with disabilities and with functional limitations due to aging the right to
participate in and enjoy the good, services, privileges, benefits, and accommodations offered to
the general public. To break down barriers to participation in all aspects of our society is to allow
more and better access to education, rehabilitation, and employment of individuals with
disabilities. This will lead to fuller and more productive lives for all Americans. Thus, the ADA
enables society as a whole to benefit from the skills and talents of individuals with disabilities
and allows everyone to gain from their increased productivity and their increased purchasing
power and ability to use it.
CONTACT:
Shay Clark
Louisiana Assistive Technology Access Network (LATAN)
1-800-270-6185 or 225-925-9500 (Baton Rouge)
Fax: 225-925-9560
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web: www.latan.org
LATAN is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting access to assistive technology for
everyone, especially individuals with disabilities and functional limitations due to aging.
###
07/23/1999 11:25 4232190137
ETTAC
PAGE 01
ettac
!!!! 23 1999
EAST TENNESSEE TECHNOLOGY ACCESS CENTER, INC.
response
4918 N. Broadway
Knoxville, TN 37918
FAX (423) 219-0137
[email protected]
(423) 219-0130
http://www.korrnet.org/ettac
Dill
and
Fax Cover Sheet
To: Vice President Albert Gore
Date Sent: July 23, 1999
Fax : 202-456-7044
Phone #: 202-456-2326
From: Louise McKown, Public Awareness & Systems Change Analysis
Chairwoman for the board of the Tennessee Disability Coalition
Number of pages: Five plus the cover sheet
Special instructions:
Please read before the ninth anniversary celebration of the Americans with Disabilities Act
on July 26 in Nashville. We are so pleased you have chosen this state this year to
address the disability community.
In this letter 1 have eluded to a tentative meeting with Doug Horne to discuss how we can
get out the disability vote. I spoke with him at a Tennessee Democratic Party retreat this
spring about brainstorming with me about this. We never set a firm date. 1 do not expect
this any time soon and in no way fault him for not contacting me. He has been so busy with
fund raisers for the congressional delegation and you, plus working to build a new
Tennessee Democratic Party headquarters in Nashville (and those plans are tabulous) that I
know this is on the back burner for him. He is really a very busy man and the best party
president we could have at this time.
We very much look forward to having you at our ADA celebration.
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE
The Information contained in this fax message is being transmitted to and le intended only for the use of
the Individual named above. If the reader of this message Is not the intended recipient, you are hereby
advised that any dissemination or copy of this facsimile is strictly prohibited. If you have received this
facsimile In error, please immediately notify us by telephone at (423) 219-0130 and destroy this facsimile
message.
07/23/1999 11:25 4232190137
ETTAC
PAGE 02
July 22, 1999
102 Emory Lane
Oak Ridge, TN 37830
(423) 483-1822
Vice President Albert Gore
Old Executive Office Building
17th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20501
Dear Vice President Gore:
Every year since I became involved with the disability
movement, I try to celebrate the anniversary 01 the
Americans with Disability Act in some way. Sometimes more
successfully than others. I doubt ! will ever be able to
top how I am spending it this year though.
I was thrilled to be asked by my executive director to
attend a luncheon at the Coryland Hotel which you will be
attending. I work for a non-profit assistive technology
center in Knoxville doing public awareness and systems
change analysis. i sometimes joke that my boes actually
pays me to raise Cain == cane. This always gets a rise out.
of people because : carry two canes. I have :- care
progressive neurological disorder which affects 5.7 voice,
manual dexterity, gait, and balance.
Then I called Carol Westlake, the executive director for the
Tennessee Disability Coslition, to tell her. The Coalition
is comprised of 60 organizations and agencies Irom around
the state to act $1.33 one voice on policy issues for people
with disabilities on the local, state, and inderal levels.
I serve as chair of their board.
I had just spent three days with her for meetings on a
variety of issues, but somehow the subject of your coming
did not come up. Not that you aren't important, but I guess
the issues we were dealing with like getting the state to
provide long term care services so folks aren't forced into
nursing homes, TennCare, the Telecommunications Act, and tax
reform took up all our time.
As it turned out Carol worked with Becky Ogle to set up this
reception for you. 1 was so glad she found time out 05 her
hectic schedule to work on this. of all the states you
could have picked to celebrate this day, we are especially
honored that you picked this one.
I knew you would be in Tennessee that day because the
Anderson County Democratic Women's Club, for whom I am their
corresponding secretary, is trying to sell tickets for the
reception in Knoxville you will be attending that evening.
Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
001. letter
Louise McKown to Vice President Albert Gore; RE: Personal
07/22/1999
b(6)
[partial] (1 page)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
Counsel Office
Jonathan Young
OA/Box Number: 40194
FOLDER TITLE:
ADA [Americans with Disabilities Act] 10th [Anniversary]
2007-0143-F
db4486
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
PI National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA|
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA|
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA|
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions ((b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
2
I was almost going to buy one, but there is no way I can get
back to Knoxville by 6:30, unless I fly with you on Air
Force Two and make my boss drive home without me.
Thankfully, Bobbie Caldwell told our club tonight that she
will be having a fund raiser for you at her house in August.
That hopefully T can make, though it may not be the same as
having you there even with the excellent speaker she has
lined up.
There are SO many issues that touch the lives of people with
disabilities that I would love to discuss with you.
Thankfully, we have people in Washington like Becky to work
with you on those. At a Tennessee Democratic Party retreat
this spring, I spoke with Doug Horne about coming to my
office for a brainstorming session on ways to bring out the
disability vote. We have yet to do this. I am also working
to educate the candidates running for Rep. Zach Wamp's seat
on these issues. I feel that most people with disabilities
will vote Democratic, but they must feel that politicians
care about and are knowledgeable about their issues.
I am truly hopeful that the bill requiring election
commissions to make the polls accessible will pass. As you
may know a recent study concluded that people with
disabilities don't make the effort to vote because of
conditions they experience at the polls. At this retreat
for the Tennessee Democratic Party, it was somewhat
dismissed because we could always vote absentee.
Unfortunately, that doesn't happen. People with disabilities
just don't vote. Even though under the AIA, government
programs (and I maintain voting is such a program) have to
be made accessible, 50 many counties don't even have an ADA
committee dealing with accessibility issues.
Fortunately, we do in Anderson County. I am chair of the
County Commissioner's ADA Oversight Committee. We have been
using most of our resources to upgrade the county
courthouse. We were however, able to get a curb cut at one
of the schools put in where people vote, and also get the
voting machines moved out of the gym which was only
accessible by going down a flight of stairs. Thankfully,
that school has just gone through major renovations to make
it thoroughly accessible. Fortunately, that seemed to be
the only voting place in the county with a problem. But I
know this is not the case in other counties. I just hope
you can work to make this bill a law before your election in
2000. You can only benefit from ill.
1 will directly benefit from the passage of the Work
Incentive Improvement Act, as I am on SSDI and can only earn
up to (b)(6) à month. I would give anything to be able to
[001]
work full time, but I dare not mess around with loosing my
Social Security and Medicare because of the progressive
nature of my disorder. I don't know how this will play out
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in the House with the funding, but somehow I hope you can
work to get the joint committees who will have to deal with
this issue singing to the same tune.
Oh, if only we could have a Democratic majority in both
houses. I walk this tightrope working for a nonprofit and
being chair of the board for one, in that I am told I have
to be non-partisan. Even though George Bush signed the ADA
into law, I have a hard time dealing with conservative
Republicans, even compassionate ones. The mark of a truly
great society is how they deal with those who are less
fortunate, to empower them to have the same opportunities as
others. I just don't see the Republican Party being able to
do that.
I know this letter is rather lengthy, but I wish to discuss
one more subject with you that specifically speaks to
empowering people with disabilities. That is one you truly
care about, getting the Internet into schools and
libraries. You have emphasized more than ORCE about having
poorer communities have this access, because it will become
the great divide for them in years ahead 35 they struggle to
become more successful. This is also true for people with
disabilities.
Unfortunately, our block is partly transportation to get to
the libraries, and more so in rural counties. Once we get
there, many must rely on others to operate the computer For
them because they cannot operate a mouse, or it they are
blind, they need special software like JAWS to get online.
Even with IDEA, so many students with disabilities don't gel
the computers they need in order to learn. But if they do,
their families may not be able to pay for the monthly charge
for the Internet Service Provider. Especially in the rural
counties that don't even have an ISP where it is :- long
distance bill. phone call to use the Internet, this is a hefty
The Internet is such an important tool for these students
who may not be able to turn a page in 3 book, much less read
it if they are blind. It is also proving to be an important
part in the lives of adults with disabilities who cannot get
out of the house. It keeps them in touch with relatives and
friends through email and chat room support groups as well
as giving them information that they could never get
otherwise. But once again, we have to deal with the COSL
factor for many of these people.
I know all about this because I am currently working under a
Kellogg Foundation grant dealing with this issue. We have
been able to sweet talk two local ISPs into giving a group
of adults enrolled in a program called CHIPS, Computers for
the Homebound and Isolated Persons, discounts on their
bills. CHIPS is attempting to put 100 computers in these
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homes in a 16 county region around Knox County over the next
three years.
However, I feel that this will never become a full scale
program for all people with disabilities, unless there is
some government help. I am thinking in terms of what is
available to people with limited incomes with help in paying
their phone bills. If one is on SSI, Medicaid, receives
food stamps, lives in HUD housing, or receives help in
paying utility bills, they can qualify for the Lifeline
program that seems to be available in every state. This
allows them a discount on their monthly bill of which part
is absorbed by the phone company and part is paid for by the
state.
Some conservative politicians must have conceded that having
telephones these days is important enough to do this. If
nothing else, phones are important just in case of an
emergency. At some point in the next century, having access
to the Internet will also be deemed that important. It is
already proving to be that important in the lives of people
with disabilities. I am hoping that this issue will be
addressed on the federal level in the future. However, it
only will be if we have elected officials who understand how
important the Internet is to these people.
I know have taken up a great deal of you and your staff's
time. It is also midnight, $0 I will close by saying that I
look forward to hearing you at the ADA celebration in
Nashville. I am told that Tipper will be with you in
Knoxville. I hope she can make this event as well. She has
done so much for the mental health community that I hope we
can somehow express our gratitude to her that day.
I am also faxing you à letter to the editor I wrote which
was submitted to several papers around the state about the
importance of the ADA. It already appeared in The Oak
Ridger. I am sure you have some ideas for your speech that
day, but you at liberty to take what you will from this
letter as well.
Have a safe trip down to Tennessee.
Sincerely,
Louise McKown
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July 19. 1999
To the Editor.
Disability crosses over all color, religious, age, economic, sexual preference, and political
lines. Unfortunately, so often when people speak in terms of minorities, people with disabilities are
left out. However, this is the largest minority in this country. One in five Americans has a disability
which significantly impairs a major life activity. Odds are that disability will touch all of us or a
family member at sometime in our lives.
As the ninth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act approaches on
July 26 and as a person who has multiple disabilities, I cannot help but reflect on the gains made
and the challenges ahead for people with disabilities. The mere passage of the law was a battle with
local governments and businesses screaming "unfunded mandate," and people with disabilities
shouting back that the law is a instead a civil rights issue.
We claim that we have a right to enter restaurants through the front door and to be able to
use the rest rooms just as African Americans did in the 1960s. We feel that we should be able to
shop without having our wheelchairs caught up in the clothes racks. We maintain that if we gc (i)
court or are called up to serve on juries that we have access to sign language interpreters if we are
deaf or assistive listening devices if we are hard of hearing. We believe that employment
opportunities are not just for the lucky and the strong, and we should not be seen as charity cases
any more if we are equally able 10 perform the essential duties of the job. In 3 number of cases, we
have seen accommodations made along these lines. In some cases, this IS not so.
Regrettably, I see the battles continuing into the next century for people with disabilities to
be accepted as equal participants in our society. So often we have to go 10 court to make our case.
Employers have already started narrowing their job descriptions. The U.S. Supreme Court has
recently upheld their right to do so. Like other minorities, we must my even harder to prove
ourselves as worthwhile individuals for them to hire us.
The University of Tennessee Knoxville has a 20-year transition plan LC make their buildings
accessible. One student has filed suit, in essence stating that this is 100 long to wait. We shall sce
where that goes, but the federal inspectors have already arrived on campus this spring.
We cannot help but celebrate on recent U.S. Supreme Court case which ruled that under the
ADA, states shall provide services to people with disabilities 10 live in the least restrictive and most
integrated setting if it is economically feasible. This particular case involved two women who have
mental illness. However, it has far reaching implications for those of US who are hoping that
Tennessee will finally provide home and community based support services for the elderly and
disabled so they will not be forced into nursing homes. We will be pressing our legislators to find
the money in the budget next year to allow it to happen and to see to it the the plan adopted truly
will meet the needs of everyone it is meant to serve.
This has already happened for people with developmental disabilities IN Tennessee who
were warehoused for years in institutions with no opportunity to live in our communities. All this is
due to 3 court order and settlement. Now the challenge for disability advecates IS to see they receive
the quality services that they deserve. and to see that for folks who always lived with their relatives
but who now wish to live on their own. that the waiting lists for services for them are reduced as
well.
1 dream of a time when people with disabilities are accepted as valuable members of society
without angry. lengthy, and expensive court trials or the threat of such. I do not think it is too much
10 ask for us to be allowed to share in all that life has to offer. Because you will benefit by meeting
some truly dynamic people, I ask that you join the disability community in making that dream come
true in this next century and celebrate with us July 26, our day of independence.
Louise McKown
Public Awareness Coordinator for the East Tennessee Technology Access Center
Board chair for the Tennessee Disability Coalition
102 Emory Lane, Oak Ridge, TN 37830 H) 483-1822 W) 219.01