Iowa virtual forum to expand disabled access to Democratic Party candidates

CEDAR RAPIDS - As the Iowa Democratic Party undertakes the selection of a new party chair, the party's Disability Caucus will host a virtual forum Saturday to expand disabled Iowans' access to the process.

People with disabilities face challenges participating in forums with the seven candidates to succeed Chairwoman Andy McGuire, explained Disability Caucus Chairwoman Catherine Crist of Cedar Rapids.

For many, traveling to forums of State Central Committee meetings in Des Moines presents difficulties. If they can attend the State Central Committee meetings in Des Moines, Crist said people with hearing and sight impairments often struggle to fully participate.

The Disability caucus will live-stream audio of her interviews with the seven people seeking to be chair and use a live transcription service to make the interviews available from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10.

For access to the virtual forum, email IPDdisabilitycaucus@gmail.com.

Crist intends to ask each candidate five questions about their visions for the party. Some will deal with disability-related issues, she said. The candidates also will make opening and closing remarks. Timer permitting, questions submitted by the audience will be asked.

Two other forums with IDP candidates are planned. The political party will host six of the seven at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 16 at Speed Lyceum Student Center at Grand View University, in Des Moines.

The event is free and open to the public. RSVP at http://bit.ly/2h3ouco.

The IDP State Central Committee will have its own forum starting at 10 a.m. Dec. 17 to vet the candidates for state party chair. Its meeting will be at the United Steelworkers 310 Hall, 125 NW Broadway, Des Moines.

The party said the forum will be open to the public, but only committee members may ask questions.

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