Dean Statement on National Disability Employment Awareness Month

On the DNC web site, under "Press" you can find the following statement from Howard Dean on National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

"This month marks the 60th year that Americans celebrate the skills and know-how that people with disabilities bring to our workplace every day. With more than six million people with disabilities participating in the American workforce, we can all be proud of the doors of opportunity that have been opened to our friends, coworkers and neighbors with disabilities.

"But great progress can never be an excuse to turn our backs on the great work that remains to be done. We can never rest until every American enjoys equal opportunity to contribute and equal access to the American Dream. Sadly, too many people with disabilities are denied those opportunities, are left to live in poverty, and are victimized by a system that promotes their institutionalization instead of encouraging and enabling them to live independently in their own homes and communities.

"People with disabilities deserve better. They deserve leaders who provide resources instead of slogans, and who are committed to protecting and expanding their hard-earned rights and personal freedoms. Four years after the Bush Administration introduced its New Freedom Initiative, the White House and the Republicans in Congress have failed to provide the resources needed to help expand access and opportunities for people with disabilities. In fact, while the President's most recent budget proposal zeroed out key employment assistance programs, Democrats in Congress are leading the fight to restore those funds.

"We can do better. Democrats are committed to ensuring that the next Supreme Court Justice will not use the High Court to roll back the rights and freedoms that people with disabilities have fought so hard for, and to fully funding programs that help them live full, independent lives. Because we understand that when any one of us is held back, every one of us suffers."

This is the word of the Chair.
Thanks be to Howard.