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Our Voices
Action Day 2003
The Lansing connection section of the Action Cycle is over for another year, and what a day it was! On May 8th, about 300 people gathered on the Capitol lawn to share, learn, and meet with others. There were activists from every corner of the state, and decision makers including legislators, department staff and legislative staff. Activists shared their successes and struggles, policymakers were eager to learn about the day-to-day struggles of people with disabilities, and people from at least one trade organization learned about our issues. It was an outstanding opportunity for activists to teach decision makers how their work effects us.
It was a day when the regional partners shined, with enthusiastic tent displays of activities they've been sponsoring and initiatives they're spearheading. Handouts included informational brochures, pins, and treat bags. Balloons and T-shirts showed the enthusiasm of all who participated.
Sponsors of the day were pleased that more than ever before, activists met with officials in the Family Independence Agency, the Department of Transportation, and legislators. Some of these meetings took place not on the Capitol lawn, but in state offices, and that turned out to be a good idea, given the chilly weather!
Exhibitors used the day to inform activists about the services they provide. Most offered informational handouts and other giveaway items. The Michigan Rehabilitation Council, a group of consumers who review the policies and services provided by Michigan Rehabilitation Services, spiced the day up by offering a prize drawing for consumers who participated in their survey! The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) offered a free one-year membership to all who signed up.
The program was full and informative, featuring Andy Imperato, national president of AAPD, who flew in from Washington DC, rallied the crowd with his chant: "What do we want?" The crowd shouted out "Civil rights!" When he asked, "When do we want it?" the response was a huge roar: "Now!"
Other speakers on the agenda included Jaye Balthazar, incoming director of Michigan Rehabilitation Services, and representatives of David Hollister (Department of Consumer and Industry Services), the Michigan Commission for the Blind, the Commission on Disability Concerns, the Department of Education, the Developmental Disabilities Council, and the Michigan Rehabilitation Council. Three legislators addressed the crowd, winning huge cheers when they announced passage of the Medicaid Buy-In law. Best of all, most of the speakers were able to spend time visiting the regional tents and listening to the concerns of those who came. When decision makers asked what activists want, it was encouraging to see activists handing out copies of the Disability Agenda, since that says it all!
After lunch, regional partners provided reports about initiatives in their areas, enriching all of us with the energy and diversity of their efforts. We're happy to report that, with cooperation from Capitol facilities, no one decided to test the lawn sprinkling system on that day!
With an election year coming up, it's time to move into the next phase of the Action Cycle. Empowered by Action Day, May 8th, 2003, activists are now beginning to prepare for events in their local regions around the state.
Region 1 (The Upper Peninsula) is considering a candidate forum targeting voting. Contact the Superior Alliance for Independent Living: (906) 228-5744.
Region 2 (Northern Michigan) has been picked up by Northern Michigan Alliance for Independent Living (NMAIL) in Traverse City. Contact John Johnson: (231) 922-0903.
Region 3 (Mid Michigan) is planning a conference-style two-day event in Lansing and Saginaw, as their way to try to reach out to a huge area. Contact Terri Cady at CIL of Mid Michigan: (989) 835-4041.
Region 4 is considering something regarding the new Help America Vote Act (HAVA) for this year's activities. Contact Kathy Flowers at the Disability Network in Flint (810) 742-1800.
Region 5 (Southwest Michigan), has set October 24, 2003 as their day for "Connecting to Your Community" (their regional action day). Contact Kathy Ellis at Community Connections: (269) 925-6422.
