Certainly there are many here in Arizona who are proud that our long-time senator, John mcCain is a candidate for President. However, as the following press release illustrates, our senator is out of touch with the disability community and the people of his own generation who, rather than having access to greater independence in their homes are often forced to live in nursing homes.

This week members from ADAPT staged simultaneous protests at Senator McCain's Washington office and the offices of the Republican National Committee. They met with ignorance and disrespect at both locations. The RNC simply said they had no influence over Republican candidates while a number of advocates were arrested at McCain's office.

The Republican Party has once again sent a message to the disability community. That message is simply that they aren't interested in our issues. McCain has yet to explain why he has not supported the Community Choice Act. If he and the Republican Party want to engage the disability community in hopes of gaining votes, a good start would be explaining the lack of support they have shown for this legislation.

And, while this press release certainly highlights the latest challenge on the political front facing the disability community, Democrats would do well to pay more than lip service to our concerns. At a time when politicians are seeking votes above all else, its easy to write press releases and to say the right things. However, I suspect this quick response and fire from the Democrats will too falter after the next election cycle. We need to keep the heat turned up and hold our leaders accountable.

For Immediate Release
May 1, 2008
Contact: Damien LaVera 202-863-8148

Dean: Arrests Show McCain Out of Touch With Americans With Disabilities

Washington, DC - This week, even as McCain was traveling the country outlining a flawed health care agenda that does little to increase access to quality, affordable health care for Americas working families, John McCain showed how out of touch he is with Americans with disabilities. Instead of meeting with disability rights activists to explain why he refuses to co-sponsor the Community Choice Act of 2007, Senator McCain's staff allowed more than 20 activists to be arrested in front of his Senate office. [Associated Press, 4/29/08]

Both Democratic presidential candidates are co-sponsors of the bill, which would allow countless Americans with disabilities the choice to live and work in their own homes and communities. In addition, Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean has met with community activists and repeatedly expressed his support for the bill. By contrast, McCain has refused to join the effort to end the persistent institutional bias in America's health care system that forces too many people with disabilities into nursing homes and institutions. The bipartisan bill would amend the Social Security Act to allow people who are eligible for Medicaid coverage of nursing home costs to spend it instead on home-based or community care.
DNC Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement:

"At a time when John McCain is on the campaign trail talking about health care choices, he refuses to explain why he opposes a bill that would let Americans with disabilities choose how and where to live, work and receive care. I am proud to lead a Party that supports the fundamental right of every single American to make his or her own choices about where to live and work. Apparently John McCain and his staff would rather let activists get arrested outside his office than explain his position on this critical issue. John McCain is either profoundly out of touch with the needs and challenges confronting Americans with disabilities or just doesn't care. Either way, he's the wrong choice for Americas future."

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