This week, I had the opportunity to serve on a panel hosted by the Unicorn Children’s Foundation about the importance of voting amongst disabled individuals.
As we enter the midterm elections, its now more than ever to discuss why we should have our voices heard, not just for our benefit, but for those around us. In addition, many disabled individuals don’t even get the opportunity to even cast their vote because their country or state says so and that’s just wrong.
If you want an example of prejudice against those who want to have their voices heard, check out these two clips below:
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However, attitudes towards disabled people voting have somewhat improved over the last few years. But in states like Maine and Minnesota, disabled individuals are still being denied the opportunity to vote and its a major problem. Some may say that the person doesn’t want to vote because they are disabled and no one will listen to them. In fact, some of the data found says:
A. 7 states deny the right to vote to: “idiots or insane persons” others deny the vote to those of “unsound mind, non compos mentis, or those who are not of “quiet and peaceable behavior”
B. 16 states bar those adjudged mentally incompetent or incapacitated from voting
C. 4 state constitutions bar people “under guardianship” from voting.
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Being able to vote is something that we have an absolute right to obtain because we all have our voices that deserve to be heard. And if anyone tries to stop us, we will talk them down by any means necessary. Disabled individuals should not have to be silenced because of their condition or diagnosis.
Yes, there is a matter of giving and taking to be taken. It helps that groups and organizations that focus on supporting disabled can help better teach disabled people the importance of voting such as learning how to vote on a ballot, why we have voting booths, etc.
It may even help to maybe set up voter registration or a voting center at a setting that better suits the individual’s needs such as an organization’s headquarters or alternative location where individuals can stim and be themselves.
All this can be obtained for one purpose to get the individual to have their voice heard. After all, everything that happens around us matters and it’s really up to us to make it happen.
In conclusion, be sure to check out this article that Unicorn Children’s Foundation CEO Sharon Alexander shared with me about the importance of disabled individuals having the right to vote:
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Catch you all later!!
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