"...disabled Americans still vote at much lower rates than Americans who aren’t disabled." This quote may be true, but it isn't the full picture. Disabled Americans face many more barriers at the ballot, which makes it much harder to vote! Every vote counts, but millions of disabled Americans face challenges with absentee and in-person voting, highlighting the need for improved accessibility in elections. Despite strides made by laws like the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), there are still significant gaps. Read this article in the The New York Times featuring AAPD alum Kenia Flores and REV UP grantee Detroit Disability Power: https://nyti.ms/3UZAQnW Want to make voting accessible in your community? Check out the National Polling Access Audit Coalition toolkit for lots of helpful resources: Toolkit includes: -Guidance on observation -Volunteer recruitment & training resources -Accessibility Audit Questionnaire -Data Template for analysis -Post-audit organization resources To access this free toolkit and contribute to improving election accessibility, fill out the form: https://bit.ly/3UJjBqF #DisabilityVote #AccessTheVote #VoterAccessibility #AccessibilityMatters #EveryVoteCounts #Election2024 #CripTheVote #Accessibility

The New York Times just released an exclusive on a government report I co-authored (accessible through the article) that examines how the Help Americans Vote Act (HAVA) has impacted the voting experience of voters with disabilities since its passing in 2002. The short: We're making inroads with laws such as HAVA, but gaps remain.   I can’t begin to share how important this subject is in raising awareness and shaping reform, especially in the run-up to the 2024 election. #RutgersUniversity #RutgersBusinessSchool #TheNewYorkTimes #DisabilityAccess

#VotingIsVital to a functioning #democracy! If you have a #disability or know someone who does, please join our September 12th VOTER 101 Zoom webinar 🙌 🇺🇸

Everyone deserves the right to vote, including individuals with disabilities. The U.S. Election Assistance Commission's 'Accessible Voter Registration' guide is a must-read for election officials, policymakers and advocates. It highlights the primary barriers to accessibility and provides best practices for ensuring equal access to the voter registration process. Let's make sure every vote counts! #DisablityPrideMonth #AccessibleVoting #DisabilityRights #EveryVoteCounts https://shorturl.at/FJsy6

As we try to build a world of belonging and community safety, certain politicians are seeking to divide us based on who we are so that they can make decisions without our voices. But, we’re charting a different path for our futures. We’ve done this before - as neighbors fighting for tenants’ rights, as immigrants fighting to reunite with our loved ones, and as Californians who want justice and equity. The fight for a multiracial democracy is no different. We all can do something to make the promise of democracy more real. In March, more than 200 people came together to form California’s largest nonpartisan poll monitor program. They made sure voters could get help in different languages, cast their ballots without harassment, and access polling sites regardless of any disabilities. We’re working to beat that record in November. If you're ready to get involved, sign up to be a CA poll monitor by October 6 and protect our hard-won rights to vote. https://lnkd.in/gVrXaXNb

Today, September 17, is National Voter Registration Day. If people with disabilities voted at the same rate as people without disabilities who have the same demographic characteristics, there would be about 1.75 million more voters. Encourage your friends and family to vote this year and sure to learn more about maximizing accessible voting options such as voting absentee in person, vote absentee by mail, and curbside voting! Registering to vote or updating your voter registration here: https://ow.ly/aEHV50TpBM2 #MomsInMotion #DisabilityRights #CDServices #NationalVoterRegistrationDay #RegisterToVote #VirginiaVoters

It's National Voter Registration Day! 🗳 Did you know? Over 38 million people with disabilities are eligible to vote in the U.S., making up nearly 1 in 6 voters! Your vote matters more than ever. The policies and leaders we choose shape the future of accessibility, inclusion, and equality. Here's how to ensure you’re ready to make an impact: ✔ Check if you’re registered – Make sure your voter registration is up-to-date at www.vote.org . If not, get registered! ✔ Learn key dates – Stay informed about Election Day, early voting dates, and mail-in voting deadlines in your area. ✔ Choose your voting method – Will you vote by mail, in person, or early? Decide what fits your needs—make a plan that works for YOU. ✔ Know your ballot – Educate yourself on the candidates and issues. Your choices can make real change. Image description: Graphic reads "Plan to Vote. Check to make sure you are registered. Learn about key dates: Election day, early voting, mail in deadlines... Choose how and when you'll vote. Learn about your ballot" on the right is an image of a speller holding a sign that says "I vote for healthcare access" #NationalVoterRegistrationDay #DisabilityVotes #YourVoiceYourPower #AccessibilityForAll #EveryVoteMatters #nationalanthem #TeamUSA #Nonspeaking #DisabilityInclusion #community

Everyone deserves the right to vote, including individuals with disabilities. The U.S. Election Assistance Commission's 'Accessible Voter Registration' guide is a must-read for election officials, policymakers and advocates. It highlights the primary barriers to accessibility and provides best practices for ensuring equal access to the voter registration process. Let's make sure every vote counts! #AccessibleVoting #DisabilityRights #EveryVoteCounts https://bit.ly/4aK1eaL

With all this noise surrounding accessibility for digital. It's important to take action to foster your own accessible platforms. Especially with more agreements, lawsuits, & penalties surfacing. Remember in the eyes of the law if it's not accessible, it's discrimination.

In recognition of National Voter Registration Day, I attended a webinar with Michelle Bishop, MSW, from the National Disability Rights Network. The discussion highlighted the barriers people with disabilities still face in exercising their right to vote. It serves as a reminder that progress has been made, but more work is needed for every voter to cast their ballot freely and fairly. Take a moment today to ensure you're prepared! Find personalized voting information at www.Vote411.org and check out these resources to get ready to vote: ✔ Find what's on your ballot at BallotReady.org. ✔ Locate your polling place and plan your visit at Vote.org. ✔ Discover early voting options in your state at 866OurVote.org. ✔ Learn about voter ID requirements in your state at VoteRiders.org. Let's collaborate to guarantee that all voters can access the polls and amplify their voices. #NationalVoterRegistrationDay #VoterAccessibility #DisabilityRights #InclusionMatters #Advocacy #ReadyToVote