Barack Obama on Disabilities
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Barack Obama supports Americans with disabilities.
Strengthen the Americans with Disabilities Act
Obama is committed to strengthening and better enforcing the Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA). Obama believes we must restore the original legislative intent of the ADA in the
wake of court decisions that have restricted the interpretation of this landmark legislation.
Protect the Safety of Individuals with Special Needs
One of the most devastating aspects of Hurricane Katrina is that most of the stranded victims
were society’s most vulnerable members, including Americans with disabilities. Too many
states and cities do not have adequate plans in place to care for special-needs populations.
Obama passed legislation to require states to properly plan the evacuation of special-needs
individuals.
Support Special Needs Education
Obama understands that children with special needs require meaningful resources to succeed
both inside and outside the classroom. Obama is a strong supporter of increased funding for
the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Increase Job Opportunities
Obama is committed to ensuring that more job opportunities are provided to individuals with
disabilities. Obama is a strong supporter of the 1965 Javits-Wagner-O’Day Act, which facili-
tates government purchase of products made by blind and severely disabled Americans.
Obama has worked to strengthen this legislation and has called on the Government Account-
ability Office to investigate federal government compliance with the act’s mandates.
Ensure Meaningful Access to Medicare Benefits
Obama is committed to ensuring that disabled Americans receive Medicaid and Medicare ben-
efits in a low-cost, effective and timely manner. Obama urged the Department of Health and
Human Services to provide clear and reliable information on the Medicare prescription drug
benefit and to ensure that Medicare recipients were protected from fraudulent claims by mar-
keters and drug agents.
