Disability Vote Project

The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is the largest cross-disability membership organization in the United States, advocating for disability rights and creating connections among people with disabilities. Through critical programs like DVP, AAPD organizes the disability community to be a powerful force for change - politically, socially, and economically.

DVP, which is one of AAPD's most significant nationally-recognized programs, works in a nonpartisan manner to eliminate the barriers to voting and, in close collaboration with coalition partners in states around the country, to increase political participation for individuals with disabilities. AAPD wishes to thank the Carnegie Fund of New York for supporting the Disability Vote Project.

DVP AT-A-Glance (PDF) (RTF)

Accessible Voting

Voting Rights of the Homebound Protected in Ohio
Congratulations to Sue Hetrick, the Ohio Disability Vote Coalition and Ohio Legal Rights Services!

A week after the election a number of people with disabilities were not going to have their votes counted because they were unable to go to the Election Offices and verify their signatures.  In response, a AAPD worked with Sue Hetrick at the Ohio Disability Vote Coalition and a private attorney who, in collaboration with and the Ohio Legal Rights Service (OLRS), filed a lawsuit in Federal court.  They alleged that the Secretary of State and the Franklin County Board of Elections violated the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution by not making reasonable accommodations for an absentee voter with disabilities who can not travel.

Secretary of State Brunner has been ordered by a federal judge to make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities who are restricted to their homes and cannot travel to the county boards of elections to correct their absentee ballots. Any person with a disability who is unable to travel must request an accommodation by November 21, 2008. This decision not only impacts the 2009 election but was made "permanent", meaning the changes must be made and held for every election hereafter.

For more information: http://olrs.ohio.gov/asp/absentvotecomplaint.asp

Get Out the Vote 2008

Charles Banks, RIDVP Steering Committee member and Providence Center Consumer Advocacy Council participant presented a touching speech called, "Why I am going to vote for the first time." >>more

This 2008 educational palm card illustrates how each vote this election will determine who sits on the Supreme Court and the powerful impact the Court can make on our lives.>>more

Visit AAPD's 2008 Presidential Election Action Center. AAPD is a nonpartisan organization and neither supports nor opposes any political party or candidate for office. Information provided on this page is strictly for educational purposes only.>>more

The Presidential Election is approaching! Make sure that you are registered to vote. It is important for the disability community to be heard. Is your polling place accessible? No, then use your office as an official polling place. Contact your local Board of Elections and ask them how you can turn your office into a polling place. >>more

At least half of all Americans with disabilities are not registered to vote. While the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) makes voter registration available at motor vehicle and public assistance agencies, many people with disabilities are not being reached. For this reason, Section 7a of the NVRA says that "each state shall designate as voter registration agencies.." >>more