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Championing Inclusion: Elevating Disabled Voices in Public Service

This article was written by special guest writer Ed Carter. You can check out Ed’s website at https://ablefutures.org/

As more diverse voices are recognized for their importance in shaping inclusive policies, individuals with disabilities who choose to run for public office demonstrate significant courage and the potential for transformative change. The unique perspectives that candidates with disabilities bring to politics not only enhance the democratic process but also foster societal change that values diversity. However, this journey presents challenges. Navigating the legal requirements set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and creating compelling narratives for voters are crucial skills for aspiring political leaders with disabilities. 

Championing Inclusivity The ADA’s Empowerment in Elections

Before embarking on your campaign journey, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the protections offered by the ADA. This pivotal law ensures that individuals with disabilities have the same opportunities to participate in the electoral process as any other candidate. Title II of the ADA mandates that state and local governments provide complete and equal access at every voting stage, from registration to casting ballots. This includes ensuring physical accessibility to polling sites and modifying policies that might marginalize or disadvantage disabled candidates. Understanding these rights helps you navigate the electoral landscape more effectively and reinforces the broader mission of inclusivity in our democratic system.

Unleashing Your Personal Story in Leadership

Your personal story is a powerful tool in your campaign arsenal. By sharing your journey of overcoming challenges, you can highlight your resilience and leadership qualities. This approach showcases your strengths and the rich experiences that inform your leadership style. For example, you effectively challenge stereotypes and promote inclusivity by focusing on positive narratives that emphasize achievements rather than limitations. This advocates for yourself and inspires and empowers others within the disability community.

Crafting a Voice: Navigating Political Press Releases

When preparing a press release for your campaign, ensure it’s newsworthy and strategically structured to capture attention. Begin by identifying key issues important to your candidacy, highlighting these at the start to engage your audience immediately. Emphasize your political platform and qualifications, addressing why you are the best candidate for the position. To maintain reader interest, incorporate concise and objective language, steering clear of exaggerated claims. Using press release services and including relevant quotes from the candidate or campaign spokesperson can significantly enhance the release’s impact.

Financial Pathways: Unlocking Support for Disabled Candidates

Financing a campaign can be daunting, but resources are available specifically for disabled political aspirants. Exploring grants and financial aid can significantly alleviate the monetary challenges of campaigning. Many organizations offer targeted support to help cover expenses related to accessibility requirements, such as adaptive technologies or transportation costs. Identifying these financial resources reduces the burden on personal funds and empowers you to focus on your political message and advocacy. By leveraging available financial aid, you can enhance your campaign’s reach and effectiveness, paving the way for a more representative political landscape.

Accessibility in Action: Making Campaigns Inclusive for All

Adopting accessible campaign strategies is crucial to fostering inclusivity both for yourself and those you aim to represent. Comprehensive web accessibility can significantly enhance engagement by ensuring potential supporters with disabilities can easily navigate your campaign materials online. Notably, the 2024 presidential campaigns have highlighted the importance of addressing website accessibility early. Understanding that political affiliation does not significantly differ among people with disabilities further underscores the need for campaigns to transcend political divides through inclusive practices. Prioritizing accessibility in your digital marketing strategies can set a positive precedent and elevate your campaign’s effectiveness, ultimately reaching a broader audience.

Building Bridges: Partnering with Advocacy Groups for Impact

Building connections with local disability advocacy groups is a strategic move. These groups offer invaluable insights into the pressing issues affecting your community, given that approximately 49 million Americans are living with disabilities. By partnering with these organizations, you align yourself with a collective voice striving for equal rights and opportunities, which are essential components of a successful campaign platform. Moreover, local advocacy groups often possess extensive networks and experience in mobilizing grassroots support, which can significantly enhance your visibility and credibility.  

The Impact of Representation: Diverse Leaders in Public Office

Recognizing the profound impact of diverse representation in public office is vital. Leaders from varied backgrounds enrich decision-making processes with many perspectives, leading to solutions that address the needs of the entire spectrum of society. Research indicates that when elected officials share experiences with their constituents, it fosters greater trust and engagement with the government. As the American populace becomes increasingly diverse, governmental bodies must reflect this diversity to build community trust and participation.  

As the journey of running for office unfolds for individuals with disabilities, it becomes a narrative of resilience, innovation, and transformative leadership. Each step challenges the status quo and builds a more inclusive future where diverse voices hold power. By embracing the strategies outlined—from leveraging legal rights and personal narratives to securing financial resources and championing accessibility—candidates can redefine what it means to lead and represent. Through their candidacies, they do not merely aspire to enter public office; they trailblaze paths for upcoming generations, creating a political landscape that reflects the rich tapestry of human experience.

Discover how Mays Mission for the Handicapped has been empowering individuals with disabilities for over 50 years—visit us to learn more about our life-changing programs and how you can support our mission!

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The ADA 34 Years Later

July 26, 2024 will mark the 34th anniversary of one of the most dynamic and monumental pieces of legislation for people with disabilities in U.S. history. On this date in 1990, then president George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA would prove to be the most expansive piece of civil rights legislation since the 1964 Civil Rights Act. On that historic day President Bush was joined by Evan Kemp, chairman of the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission; Rev. Harold Wilke; Sandra Parrino, chairman of the National Council on Disability, and Justin Dart, chairman of The President’s Council on Disabilities.


The ADA is made up of five separate sections; Title I covers employment, Title II covers public services, Title III covers public transportation, Title IV covers telecommunications and Title V takes on miscellaneous issues.


While the ADA is the most comprehensive example of legislation for and about the 54 million people with disabilities living in the US, still many do know about or understand the ADA.

Employment issues continue to be problematic. While 32% of Americans with disabilities aged 18 to 64 are working, two-thirds of those unemployed would rather be working.


Mays Mission for the Handicapped was born out of the desire to provide jobs for people with disabilities and continues today. Our “on-the-job” training offers employment opportunities to the disabled in areas of press operations, pre-press, lettershop and bindery, data processing and light assembly.

“We are committed to increasing job opportunities to and for people with disabilities,” said Mission president Sherry Niehaus. “Through on-the-job training, our referral service program and direct mail appeals it is our goal to train the disabled and educate the public that, given the opportunity, people with disabilities can become productive citizens.”


Email us today at info@maysmission.org for free brochures on the ADA and “Making Your Community Accessible” that you can distribute in your community. These brochures were produced by employees with disabilities and they would appreciate your advocacy. Thank you!

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Make Your Fourth of July Safe!

According to Prevent Blindness America, nearly 13,000 firework victims keep hospitals busy every ear. More than half of those injured are children. Fireworks not only injure users, data from the U.S. Eye Injury Registry shows that bystanders are more often injured by fireworks than operators.

The three types of fireworks that keep hospital emergency rooms busy during this holiday period are bottle rockets, firecrackers, and sparklers. Bottle rockets and firecrackers can fly in any direction prior to exploding and sparklers burn at temperatures hot enough to melt gold.

One of the reasons firework injuries continue to occur is because people just don’t consider how dangerous these devices can be. People often don’t realize – until they are injured – that the risk of blindness or injury outweighs the excitement of taking risks with fireworks. And giving fireworks to young children can mean a trip to the hospital emergency room.

Have a super 4th of July and make sure your Independence Day celebration is a safe one!

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Vacation Time

Everyone needs a break from the hustle and bustle of his or her everyday routine. Whether you are working a 40-hour a week job, being a house-mom, volunteering or even retired, we all like to get out and get away from our usual environment and take a vacation. Trips to the big city, camping, theme parks and national and state parks are just a few of the multitude of possibilities for a family vacation.

For people with disabilities, just a smidgen of planning ahead can prevent heartbreak, disappointment and potentially risky situations. Most attractions, such as theme and national parks have made their sites accessible to the disabled thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Yet, due to a variety of issues and unforeseen circumstances, what is available to the able-bodied individual may vary somewhat from what is available to the disabled traveler.

When making hotel/motel reservations, always ask the manager of the facility to describe “handicapped” rooms. What works for the “average” traveler may not work for you. In my travels across the nation, it’s not uncommon to reserve a room only to find out that my wheelchair cannot get through the bathroom door. There’s no such thing as “over planning.”

If flying, try to take very necessary items with you in your carry-on luggage. Especially remember your essential medications. If your regular luggage should happen to get lost or end up on another flight, you will probably be a little more at ease.

 For more information on vacationing with disabilities, call 888-503-7955 or email us at info@maysmission.org for our brochure, “The Disabled Traveler.” Have fun and be safe!

Encourage businesses in you area to hire individuals with disabilities! Call us for brochures to pass out to employers in your community and help us spread the word!

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Become an advocate for people with disabilities today!

What can we do to improve the lives of others, especially those with disabilities?

The dictionary describes an “advocate” as one who publicly supports or suggests an idea, development or way of doing something.

Here at Mays Mission, our primary goal is to aid and assist people with disabilities. Yes, putting to work those who may have difficulty finding gainful employment is one facet of our purpose yet there is so much more.

Public education regarding the abilities and capabilities of people with disabilities is of utmost importance. You see, through our various programs and direct mail, we have the opportunity to inform and educate the public throughout the country that given the opportunity, people with disabilities can become productive citizens.

Through our On-The-Job Training Program we have seen scores of people with a variety of disabilities come and go here at Mays Mission while others have chosen to stay with us. It’s heartwarming to know that some have bought their own homes, learned to drive and purchased automobiles, while some have moved on to bigger and better opportunities. Seeing people succeed and become more independent where at one time hope seemed lost is an indescribable feeling. This On-The-Job Training Program is only possible because of the kind hearts of our donors.

If you would like more information on becoming an advocate for people with disabilities we have free brochures like “The Spirit Of Volunteerism” or “On-The-Job Training” that were produced by employees with disabilities here at Mays Mission. Just call us at 1-888-503-7955 or email us at info@maysmission.org and we will send some out to you. Thank you for your support!