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Press Releases

AAPD and Disability Power & Pride Host Second Inaugural Ball

Disability Advocacy Groups Celebrate Presidential Inauguration

January 15, 2013  | 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Washington, DC– AAPD and Disability Power & Pride have united to host the second Disability Community Inaugural Ball, to be held on Saturday, January 19, 2013 at the National Press Club. Setting aside individual agendas, the disability community celebrates this historic presidency and the promise of the second Obama Administration to reduce stigma and maximize opportunities for all Americans to participate fully in our nation’s democracy.

In recognition of our nation’s brave military, many of whom experienced significant injuries resulting in disability, Ball organizers are sponsoring a number of combat veterans from Walter Reed Medical Center as honored guests.

“There are more than 57 million Americans with disabilities, but we have been largely absent from politics,” said former Congressman Tony Coelho, author of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  “With this event, we say, ‘no more.’ Just like any other civil rights group, we are proud of our ability to organize, fundraise, participate in this wonderful society, and above all – celebrate the hope that President Barack Obama brings to our country.”

This fully-accessible Inaugural Ball is hosted by a cadre of leading disability advocacy groups, including the American Association of People with Disabilities, Disability Power & Pride, and our corporate sponsors; AT&T, Foxkiser, National Industries for the Blind, and NISH.

“The enactment of the ADA gave people with disabilities important legal rights, but that was just the beginning,” added Coelho. “As our strength becomes more widely recognized – both in size and purchasing power – we can begin to accomplish great things, legislatively and otherwise.”

Disability Community Inaugural Ball Details:

When:              Saturday, January 19, 2013, 7 pm to 11 pm

Where:            National Press Club, 529 14th Street NW, 13th Floor, Washington, DC

Tickets:            Complimentary for media, but RSVP required

Attire:              Black tie optional

RSVP: 202.521-4310, disaball@mypowerandpride.org

Information:    Sign language interpreters, CART, audio description, and assistive listening devices will be available. Internet access for media available. www.mypowerandpride.org

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Disability Power & Pride's mission is to mobilize all Americans with disabilities, and their families, friends and allies, to speak with one powerful voice. We change public perceptions of disability by promoting leadership, fostering dialogue and unity, and empowering individuals to become active citizens.

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The American Association of People with Disabilities is the nation's largest disability rights organization. We promote equal opportunity, economic power, independent living, and political participation for people with disabilities. Our members, including people with disabilities and our family, friends, and supporters, represent a powerful force for change. To learn more, visit the AAPD Web site: www.aapd.com.

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