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AAPD welcomes launch of Congressional Anti-Bullying Caucus

“Ensuring the best possible outcomes for America’s young people is something everyone can get behind.,” Said AAPD President and CEO Mark Perriello

June 28, 2012 | Lara Schwartz

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 28, 2012

Contact: Lara Schwartz, VP of External Affairs
202 521 4309
lschwartz@aapd.com

WASHINGTON: The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), the nation’s largest disability rights organization, today praised Rep. Mike Honda and 40 other members of Congress for launching the Congressional Anti-Bullying Caucus.

According to its mission statement:

The Congressional Anti-Bullying Caucus (CABC) is a bipartisan caucus comprised of Members of Congress committed to the belief that all communities deserve a safe environment to thrive, and that our nation is in urgent need of solutions that stop bullying – both offline and online – now and forever.

The overwhelming majority of students with disabilities are bullied at school. In the face of daily hostility, the promise of a quality education is often trumped by the need to survive for many students with disabilities. AAPD supports legislation to combat school bullying. Our public service announcement, “30 Seconds,”which sends a message that students with disabilities will not be bullied, aired nationwide in late 2011 and early 2012. View the PSA at www.aapd.com/30seconds

Adults with disabilities are also disproportionately likely to be the targets of bullying. Adult bullying occurs in neighborhoods, workplaces, public transportation, among other places

“Ensuring the best possible outcomes for America’s young people is something everyone can get behind. A part of that means ending the scourge of bullying, which is a daily barrier for so many. AAPD thanks Representative Honda and the other members of Congress who have committed themselves to this important task. AAPD will continue our anti-bullying work alongside the bi-partisan Caucus to achieve its goals,” Said AAPD President and CEO Mark Perriello.

“Founding this Caucus sends a strong signal both to those who face bullying every day and to those of us who are working on the front lines to combat this nationwide problem,” added AAPD Board Chair Joyce Bender.

Learn more about the Congressional Anti-Bullying Caucus:
http://www.honda.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1190&Itemid=561

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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.