Power Grid Blog
Mark's Weekly Message
July 6, 2012 | Mark Perriello
Independence Day is a time for friends, family, and reflecting on what makes our country great. As an American, I feel so proud to live in a country with such an independent spirit and sense of freedom. Reflecting on the greatness of our country, I’m reminded of the Four Freedoms as articulated by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt: freedom of speech, freedom to worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.
Freedom of speech and expression is a vital component of our political process. It is integral to our right to advocate on our own behalf and petition our government as a means of active participation in the political process. Through our Disability Vote Project (DVP) we work to ensure that all Americans with disabilities can exercise their right to vote and be counted.
Freedom to worship ensures that we are able to participate in the faith of our choosing. Our Interfaith Disability Advocacy Coalition (IDAC) works every day to ensure that all people with disabilities are welcomed into the church, temple, mosque, synagogue, or house of their chosen faith.
Freedom from want and the right to an adequate standard of living means that as Americans, we have the right to equal employment and health care. The newly upheld Affordable Care Act will ensure that people with disabilities have the right to healthcare; and, AAPD is advocating for strengthening the regulations implementing Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act, which requires government contractors to take affirmative steps to hire people with disabilities.
And lastly, freedom from fear allows all Americans to live without persecution, mistreatment, and bullying. Last week, AAPD worked with Congressman Mike Honda’s office to help launch the Anti-Bullying Caucus to ensure that the Federal Government, working side-by-side with advocates, will forge solutions that stop bullying in communities everywhere.
On this July 4th week, AAPD will work to ensure that all Americans with disabilities are guaranteed their Four Freedoms.
Comments
Submitted by Deb at 02:07 PM on July 10, 2012