Impact Feature Issue on Political Activism and Voter Participation by Persons with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities

Readers of this Impact may find these resources useful for more information.

• Making Your Case.  Produced by the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities. This online, self-directed course teaches people how to communicate with public officials by effectively telling their personal stories, writing letters, providing testimony, and communicating in positive ways. 
• The Disability Rights Movement. This exhibit on the American Disability Rights Movement was in the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in 2000 to 2001. It is now available only on the Web, where users can view a history of the movement, including photographs of the people, activities, and publications that have played an important part.
• ADAPT. ADAPT has a long history of organizing in the disability community and using non-violent direct action tactics to achieve its goals. In 1983, ADAPT began its successful national campaign for lifts on buses and access to public transit for people with disabilities. It also played a major role in passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. ADAPT is currently working for passage of legislation that will change the long-term care system to support consumer-controlled services in the community. The Web site includes information about legislation, past and upcoming ADAPT actions and events, disability rights training offered by ADAPT, and local ADAPT groups.