Disability Advocacy Day 2006

written by Vanessa VanGilder, Fair Shake Network Director

Disability Advocacy Day 2006 was hosted by the Fair Shake Network at the State Capitol in Charleston, WV on Wednesday, January 26, 2006.

Over 100 participants, legislators and their staff had the opportunity to visit the 32 exhibitors with their displays as they filled the upper rotunda, outside the House and Senate Chambers - the most exhibitors there have ever been for Disability Advocacy Day.

To kick off Disability Advocacy Day, a press conference was held at 9:30 a.m. with Fair Shake Network Chairperson, David Stewart, explaining the name change for the day. Previously titled "Disability Awareness Day", he explained that legislators and policymakers are aware of people with disabilities and some of the issues - but now it is time to do advocacy work. He reviewed some of the issues the disability community is supporting and working on during the 2006 Legislative session.

After the press conference, participants had the opportunity to visit their legislators and attend the House and Senate floor sessions. Disability Advocacy Day resolutions were read in both the House and the Senate which were adopted by both Houses. For the first time ever, sign language interpreters were at the sessions interpreting for the deaf community.

Following a busy day, participants gathered in the lower rotunda for a wrap-up session featuring speakers Cathy Hutchinson, Fair Shake Network Vice Chairperson, and Jan Lilly-Stewart, Advocacy Specialist with the WV Developmental Disabilities Council. Both urged everyone to continue their advocacy efforts on behalf of the disability community after they return home.

The Legislature Today show, which is broadcast nightly during the Legislative Session in the Charleston viewing area, featured David Stewart who had the opportunity to review the Fair Shake Network's legislative agenda as well as other issues that impact the disability community.

Submitted by guest contributor Vanessa VanGilder, Fair Shake Network Director. To learn more about the Fair Shake Network, please call Vanessa at 304-766-0061 or visit their Web site at: http://fairshake.org/home.php

Photo description: The photo is a closeup of the AgrAbility program's display board on January 25, 2006 at Disability Advocacy Day. The National AgrAbility Project is a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) funded program established to help people with disabilities remain active in agriculture.

View more photos from Disability Advocacy Day:

Posted: January 30, 2006