People with disabilities are a powerful force in our democratic system! And when government policies and systems impact daily living across the disability community, it is vital to exercise the right to vote. This storytelling TALKS series, The Power of the Disability Vote is a call to action from advocates with legal, government, and lived experiences.
People with all types of disabilities can vote! People with intellectual/developmental disabilities can vote (even with a guardian, in Colorado)! And, those who support people with disabilities can help. Be the change you want to see and learn how we can make the disability community’s voice heard!
Why you should watch
- Learn about all the rights and protections in place for people with disabilities to be able to vote;
- Get excited about voting by hearing from the lived experiences of voters with disabilities;
- Gain awareness of barriers to voting and how to overcome them; and
- Understand the power of the disability voice!
Who should watch
- People with disabilities;
- Anyone who supports a person with a disability;
- Election officials; and
- Advocates for democracy.
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A Self-Advocate’s Perspective – Ann Rossart has been a board member at The Arc of Aurora for 18 years. She also has been voting for years. Ann shares her experience getting support to vote and encourages others who also have a developmental disability to use their voice!
An Election Official’s Perspective – Lisa Weiss is the ADA Coordinator for the Elections Division of the Colorado Secretary of State. With over 25 years of experience as a civil rights lawyer, Lisa explains what it takes to create accessible elections as well as resources and opportunities for voters with disabilities.
An Advocacy and Lived Experience Perspective – Seyanna Hitt, the Development Director at Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, has seen the obstacles that face people with disabilities when casting their vote. Seyanna explains how vital the disability voice really is, not only in elections, but in policy-making beyond as well.
A Legal Perspective – Sara Pielsticker has worked as a Disability Rights Attorney at Disability Law Colorado for over 4 years. She spreads education and awareness of voting rights, protections and resources in Colorado.
Prefer a Podcast? Listen to the full-length episode!
This package was made possible through support from arc Thrift Stores, Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council, Developmental Pathways, Peak Parent Center, and The Arc of Aurora