Monday, September 22, 2008

Voting workshop for disabled to be held in Fort Worth

By Pegasus News wire

On Monday, September 22nd at 4:30 PM in Fort Worth, anyone who has a disability or special need can attend a workshop to learn and experience what it may be like when they go to the polls on November 4th. According to the Coalition for Texans with Disabilities, less than 34% of voting-age people with disabilities voted in the last presidential election compared to 51% of the able bodied population. Workshops are being held throughout the State of Texas to remedy this situation in the 2008 elections.

The voting training will be conducted by the Coalition for Texans with Disabilities including information on rights and voting options, a mock election, and practice on an accessible voting machine used in Tarrant County. Accessible voting technology permits people with blindness, low vision, deafness, mobility impairments and even quadriplegia to cast a private ballot. American Sign Language interpreters will be provided, and the facility is wheelchair accessible. Members of the disabilities community are encouraged to attend, as well as their supporters, campaign and polling place workers, and those who are interested in issues facing the disabilities community.

Elected officials and candidates from both sides of the aisle – Democrats and Republicans – plan to attend. Nonprofit organizations which support the disabilities community have also been invited. An exhibit area will be set up for them to speak to attendees about their programs and services.

The free workshop with be held on September 22nd beginning at 4:30 PM at Arborlawn United Methodist Church. Attendees will have an opportunity to register to vote. Be sure to bring your Texas or personal ID to confirm your name, address and date of birth. For more information, visis Your Vote Counts.

Source: Coalition for Texans with Disabilities

Related stories

• Workshop in Fort Worth on Monday offered people with disabilities information on voting services (Sept. 23, 2008)

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• Politics and Government > Texas > Statewide and Legislative Elections