The
Disability Rights Rally was held on May 7, 2009 at the
State Capitol in Baton Rouge.
Over 1000 advocates, consumers, family members and professionals
gathered at the State Capitol to celebrate their accomplishments,
friendships, advocacy and community. Over the last two years our
policymakers have ensured funding was available for over 3,500
people with disabilities to receive New Opportunities Waiver
Slots!
The annual rally is held to promote Louisiana moving to a culture
of supporting and accepting individuals with disabilities as full
contributing and inclusive members of their communities. The
issues legislators were asked to consider include:
·
Adding NOW slots to HB1 to help End the Wait for the over 9,500
people on the waiting list
· Requiring
DHH to close and sell under used Developmental Centers
· Restoration
of provider rates impacted by recent cuts
Rally participants contacted their legislators and let them know
they would be at the Capitol for the Rally. Many legislators came
out on the Capitol steps and met their constituents participating
in the Rally. Many participants also had meetings with their
legislators directly before and after the rally. This served as
an opportunity for them to share their stories and requests. For
a link to two great slide shows with over 100 pictures from the
Rally look below:
http://www.lacanadvocates.org/site/about/picture-wall/2009-disabilities-rights-rally/