Washington, DC—Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) warmly welcomes President Obama’s new initiatives and "The Year of Community Living" to advance the civil rights of people with disabilities. The President made the announcement on the 10th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision in the case of Olmstead v. L.C., a ruling that strengthened the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“This is very good news for all Americans with disabilities,” said Paralyzed Veterans ’ National President Randy L. Pleva, Sr. “As we approach the day when we celebrate our nation’s independence, it’s important to note that these initiatives will help to make every day more independent for all people with disabilities.”
The President directed Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan to work together to identify ways to improve access to housing, community supports, and independent living arrangements. The secretaries are expected to announce several new initiatives including increased numbers of Section 8 vouchers and enhanced interagency coordination to address these important civil rights issues.
“Paralyzed Veterans of America has actively advocated to make America barrier-free and programs accessible everywhere for everyone. Clearly we have made progress since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the recent ADA Amendments, but we have much more to do to ensure that all Americans can achieve maximum independence in their lives. Today is another important move forward in achieving this goal,” said Pleva.
“This is very good news for all Americans with disabilities,” said Paralyzed Veterans ’ National President Randy L. Pleva, Sr. “As we approach the day when we celebrate our nation’s independence, it’s important to note that these initiatives will help to make every day more independent for all people with disabilities.”
The President directed Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan to work together to identify ways to improve access to housing, community supports, and independent living arrangements. The secretaries are expected to announce several new initiatives including increased numbers of Section 8 vouchers and enhanced interagency coordination to address these important civil rights issues.
“Paralyzed Veterans of America has actively advocated to make America barrier-free and programs accessible everywhere for everyone. Clearly we have made progress since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the recent ADA Amendments, but we have much more to do to ensure that all Americans can achieve maximum independence in their lives. Today is another important move forward in achieving this goal,” said Pleva.