Cedar Rapids Seminar helps disabled be part of politics

CEDAR RAPIDS - The Iowa Democratic Party's first Accessibility, Inclusion and Outreach Conference is aimed at teaching activists how to communicate effectively with legislators, self-advocate and participate in the structure of the party.

Although the conference will address myriad issues facing people with disabilities who choose to participate in the political process, including voting, organizer Catherine Crist of Cedar Rapids is aiming for a broader audience.

'I would argue it's also for people who are not disabled,” Crist, chairwoman of the state party's Disability Caucus, said about the conference from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 21 at Local 125 Plumbers & Fitters Training Center, 5101 J St. SW, Cedar Rapids.

'We are only temporarily abled,” she said. 'Almost everybody is going to age into a disability.”

The goal of the conference also is to educate candidates and campaign organizations on how to include people with disabilities and ensure access to campaign activities.

The challenge voters with disabilities face is more than physical barriers at polling places, Crist said. Often overlooked are barriers that prevent people with disabilities from participating in party caucuses and conventions as well as campaign rallies. Many campaign events are planned without consideration for sign language interpreters or real-time closed captioning, adequate access, transportation and seating for people with disabilities.

'If you have difficulty accessing meetings and events, you are not afforded the same opportunity to get to venues and to participate when you get there,” Crist said. That limits the ability of people with disabilities to see and hear candidates in person and ask questions.

The daylong conference will open with former U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin, one of the sponsors of the Americans with Disabilities Act, speaking to participants by Skype. Second District U.S. Democratic Rep. Dave Loebsack will be the keynote speaker.

Although the conference is sponsored by the state Democratic Party, membership is not a litmus test for participation, Crist said. Closed captioning, a service animal relief area, quiet room, sign language interpreters and a refrigerator for medicine will be available.

Registration continues through Saturday at idpdc.com/aio-conference-registration.

l Comments: (319) 398-8375; james.lynch@thegazette.com